We get that you have to pay an entrance fee to visit the museums, but we definitely think its worth it. If you visit by car and drive up the mountain, you might still consider taking one of these options down and up the mountain just to experience the views. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. In terms of the views, once you are at the top where the monastery and the majority of attractions are, its quite level and there are incredible views in most directions. Your email address will not be published. Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor, Last updated: May 31, 2022. You can of course just buy the train ticket by itself and then buy separate tickets for the funicular or cable car on arrival in Monistrol, but buying the combination ticket will be more cost effective. As well as Montserrat, weve also explored many other parts of Spains Catalonia region, and have put together a number of posts to help you plan your own trip. There is a lot to do on Montserrat, certainly plenty to easily fill a day or more. One tip if you stay overnight and have a car whilst you cant park at the hotels, you can drive up to them to drop your bags off and then parking the main parking area. Again, theres a small entry fee. Visiting Montserrat from Barcelona is one of the most popular day trips from the city. 
Is there a fee to visit the Basilica on Montserrat? It is possible to just walk to both of these locations. The driving distance is around 40 miles / 65 kilometres, making it easy to reach from Barcelona as a day trip. Really useful article, thank you! These items might include good hiking shoes, a water bottle, clothing layers and so on. Finally, something to be aware of when deciding on tickets is that the train back to Barcelona can be quite full, and possibly standing room only. Obviously there are many more tours available, those were just some suggestions. If you are booking transport or a tour, consider booking one like. The name Montserrat translates in Catalan to serrated mountain, or saw mountain, a reference to how the peaks look like the jagged teeth of a saw. You can buy these tickets in person at the train station, at the Plaa Catalunya Tourism Office, or online from the Barcelona Tourism office (as well as various other online locations). The closest city is Manresa, a little to the north. Whilst most people just use Monistrol as a junction point for transferring between the train and the transport up the mountain, there is plenty to see here, including a 14th century bridge, crumbling defensive towers, and a 16th century aqueduct. Great question. There are three other options for less formal dining at Montserrat. If you find out it is possible please let me know so I can update the guide. The mountain range is both a place of pilgrimage and a popular place for hiking (similar to the Vall de Nuria in fact), and theres a lot to do here. You can see all the prices, and book your tickets online, at the official website here, or in person at the cable car station. You are looking at the price from Zone 4. As well as being geologically interesting, Montserrat is also the home of a Benedictine Abbey. Tours vary in price and inclusions, but should include return transport to/from Barcelona, time at Montserrat itself, and your transport up the mountain (this may be by bus or rack railway). The bus departs once in the morning from Barcelona, and has one departure time on the way back. Its listed as five hours which should work, giving you in the region of 2-3 hours on the actual mountain. One of our favourite hikes was the walk down from the Sant Joan funicular, which we describe a bit later in the article. However, the car park at the top is by far the cheapest option if you are driving, as you only have to pay to park the car, and a car parking ticket is cheaper than any of the transport options up the mountain. There are a number of ways to get from Barcelona to Montserrat. We visited the Virgin of Montserrat in the early evening, and we were the only ones there. You can drive yourself, you can take public transport, you can cycle, and you can take a tour. If you are staying in Barcelona, a good option to get to Montserrat is by train. Note that Montserrat is a natural park, and wild camping is not permitted in natural parks in Spain. If you take the train from Barcelona to Montserrat, then you can take advantage of the combined train tickets, which can include either the return rack railway or return cable car ticket. It was through this town that pilgrims historically came to begin their hike up the path of pilgrimage to the Abbey of Montserrat. Or do you have any other suggestions for scenery without hiking? Another route is the much longer route (5 hours) from Cim de Sant Jeroni where you walk to the highest point of Monsterrat for the best view. In terms of timing, We visited the monastery in the evening and there was no-one else there and no lines for the black Madonna. Hi! I hope this helps let me know if I can be of any further assistance, otherwise, have a great trip! Note that the funiculars are sometimes closed for maintenance or other reasons. This is a great article and very helpful thank you for doing this. Thank you for your help. Photography is not allowed inside the Basilica, only of the Black Madonna (as of our visit anyway). We only recommend products and services that we use ourselves, and will always link to relevant information, regardless of whether or not there is an affiliate program. Terminals T1, T2 and metro L9 lobby; daily from 8.30am to 8.30pm. Photography is permitted in the Basilica interior, except during a religious service. The Santa Cova funicular runs down the mountain to the cave where, the legend goes, the image of the Virgin Mary that now resides in the Basilica was first discovered by shepherds. Weve done this twice, and you can see our guide to, If you love mountains, youre going to want to spend some time in the Spanish Pyrenees region of Catalonia. These are a little bit more expensive, but at least you can book them in advance. Hiking options can be seen on this website and also here. On the mountain is the sanctuary and the Benedictine Montserrat monastery ("Monasterio de Montserrat"). Lodging In or Around Montserrat Subscribe to our monthly newsletter. Tourist information point in Plaa Catalunya, daily from 8.30am to 8.30pm. I am a bit overwhelmed as trying to plan a trip for our group (will include 4-6 adults) as a day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona city center. The choir, called l'Escolana, consists of 30 boys who live in the monastery complex. Items like food, drink, bags, firearms, umbrellas and knives are not permitted in the majority of the buildings. This is a two pronged tip! These candles are lit as prayer offerings to the Virgin Mary, and you are welcome to light your own candle for a modest fee to contribute to this impressive collection. Here you can pick up a hiking map of the area with a number of hikes listed, including difficulty and length. If you are booking transport or a tour, consider booking one like this one or this one that gets you here at or near opening. Wait times can be anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. When returning from Montserrat via funicular which which stop to get off? Of course, whilst the parking is free, you do still have to pay for your ticket for these transport options! These can be purchased in advance of your trip, which will save you queuing at the train station, and hunting for the right ticket machine. Montserrat has a number of dining options. There are also some additional combination tickets you can buy online in advance which have more inclusions, and well also go through these. Other than those devices required for mobility purposes, devices like electric scooters and skateboards are also not permitted. Most transport options to Montserrat from Barcelona take between an hour and 90 minutes. Here are some we think you will find useful in planning your own trip. A meal in the self service restaurant at Montserrat (10 15 approx value), One of the combination tickets for the public transport, which are the, If youd prefer a private tour, this is a, If youre going to be spending time in Barcelona, check out our, There are lots of great day trips from Barcelona. Is one more scenic then the other and is the train difficult to get around and find? The tour finishes with a video presentation which takes you through a day in the life of the monastery, which includes a performance by the Escolania. There is an entry fee (its included in the Tot Montserrat ticket), but we think it is well worth the visit. Were also going to recommend some companies that do day tours to Montserrat from Barcelona. You have lots of options from easy to difficult. Thanks so much! As well as the statue, the Basilica has a number of other features that are worth enjoying on your visit. I will purchase TOT Montserrat and want to overnight there. For example, this private tour includes hotel pickup and your own vehicle, and with a private tour you should have some flexibility around timings. When you enter the car park you will go through a barrier and get a ticket, you will need to pay for your parking at a payment machine before you return to your car and leave the car park. I am going in one month with my boyfriend. which offers excellent views. Instead, you might consider this tour. There is a chapel here, which is a popular place of pilgrimage, as well as a number of sculptures by Catalan artists including Gaudi. A really nice hike that you can do from the area around the abbey is the walk to St. Michaels cross. There is one of these trains each way per day, so you are limited in that regard, but it will save you potentially standing for an hour each way if there are no seats available. This has made the Abbey and the Montserrat mountain as a whole, and important site of pilgrimage for centuries. The rack railway has a variety of prices depending on time of year and your age. 
The type of transport will also define which train station you get off at. According to tradition, this is the most important and mysterious mountain in Catalonia. This includes objects that date as far back as the 13th century BC. There are also maps on boards at the trailheads showing the various hiking options. Alternatively, you could ride them up the mountain to the monastery, and then walk down. Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above. We highly recommend taking the time to visit the Montserrat Museum. Its basically just the transport, but it will get you there early before the crowds and let you do everything you want. However, you can just book the individual tickets yourself for the two days instead if its not possible. The funicular has three stations, the one at Monistrol de Montserrat, one a little further up the mountain at Cremallera de Monistrol Vila and then the stop at Montserrat itself. See more tour options in our section towards the end of the post on day tours to Montserrat. Click here to see our current giveaway and enter! Bar de La Plaa is a cafe / bar which offers drinks and snacks, including sandwiches and hamburgers. For the cable car, you want to get off the train at the Aeri de Montserrat stop. Yes, you can take photos at Montserrat at most of the locations in this post, there are just a few exceptions and rules to follow. Whilst this post has covered some of the more popular activities and sights at Montserrat, there is lots more to do, as well as activities and events throughout the year. If you plan on hiking, then spring / autumn will likely be the best balance of good weather and comfortable temperatures. Complete Guide to Visiting Montserrat Spain. Once you have done the more popular things that you are interested in, then you can spend time in the museums, doing hikes, shopping, etc. This is likely going to be the easiest option, as all you have to do is book the tour, show up at the departure point (or wait in your hotel lobby if the tour offers hotel pickups), and then enjoy the scenery and sights. If you buy the tickets online, you will need to exchange the voucher for the actual tickets. So is this doable and what would be the easiest and most simple way without driving? However, it does include quite a lot, and might work out to be very cost effective if you take advantage of all the features. Partner with us | Site Map | Contact Us | Our other sites, Copyright www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com https://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/ssi/en/faq/footer.html, Arranging a School Visit From Barcelona To Montserrat, Contact Details Hotel Abbat Cisneros Montserrat. The bus is operated by Autocares Julia, and runs from the Estacin de Autobuses de Barcelona/Sants, which is next to the Sants Train Station on Viriat Street, and is around a 10-minute walk from Plaa Espanya. It is also not appropriate for strollers so youll want to leave those in an appropriate area outside. Ticket types to Montserrat: Train journey with either the Cable car or Rack Railway, Travel Options To Montserrat in Barcelona, Spain, Winter Weather Conditions in Barcelona Montserrat Mountains. The cable car is easy, as there is just one stop on each end, and the ride up the mountain only takes five minutes. According to the legend, around 880 a group of shepherds found the statue of the Virgin Mary in the holy cave 'Santa Cova', where after this discovery the mountain was surrounded by spirituality. First, the facade of the church building, which you reach after the atrium, is very pretty, and dates from the mid-20th century. As well as the return train to Barcelona, and funicular transport up the mountain, you also get: If you are interested in these addons, and the idea of guaranteed seat is appealing, then this is certainly an option to consider. When we visited Montserrat, we drove up to the car park at the top and we stayed overnight at one of the hotels at the top. The legend goes that this statue of the Virgin Mary and child was found on the Montserrat mountain in 880 although it is actually now thought that it is a Romanesque sculpture dating from the 12th century. To get to Monsterrat from Barcelona by car you just follow the C-31 road north-east out of Barcelona, and then the C-58 north-west to Montserrat. Im not sure if its both up and down he struggles with, but if he can go down then you can take the Sant Joan funicular to the top, and then walk down. Thank you so much!!! (Except 1st January and 25th December). In order to avoid crowds, I plan to arrive there early afternoon and leave next day around noon, including a hike to the cross. Congrats and thanks for your guide, Laurence! For many more tour options, see the full listing of Montserrat tours on GetYourGuide here, and Viator here. It is for tent camping only and is reached by foot. Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 16:45Saturday - Sunday: 09:00 - 17:45 since we have such limited time, main focus is to see the church, visit to museum if time, and take in some nice views. This starts near the Santa Cova funicular station, and is well signposted. Q: We are planning a trip to Barcelona this April to visit Montserrat by car. Id not say one is better than the other, they are just different. Trains run throughout the day from Barcelona-Plaa Espanya Station. After you exit the Ave Maria path, you can enter the Basilica proper to see the rest of it. Montserrat Spain is also home to one of the oldest boy choirs in Europe (probably as early as the 14th century). Barcelona Montserrat by Car, Arranging a School Visit From Barcelona To Montserrat In the yellow block you can see when the choir performs in the monastery. They generally perform twice daily in the Basilica, and you can see their performance times here. See our, A fantastic experience we can recommend to anyone visiting this region is to take a hot air balloon ride. She is one of the Black Madonnas, with both the statue of Mary and Jesus having dark skin and gold robes. The Museum of Montserrat is primarily an art museum, and it houses seven permanent collections which include over 1300 pieces, including works by artists including Dali, Monet, Chagall, Picasso and Miro. If you have time, we can definitely recommend staying overnight at Montserrat. The average temperature varies from a range of 23C/ 73F to 29C / 84F in the summer months, to 9C/48F- 15C/59F in the winter months. The official website for the Montserrat Mountain park has some good hiking routes and options here, although it is in Catalan so you will need to translate it. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a2d44522f9987594886750b2f57c9673" );document.getElementById("f959a0bfd8").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Let me know when there's a reply to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!). The other side of the tip is to remember that it can be much cooler and windier on the mountain than the surrounding plains. Please scroll to the end to leave a comment. If this is a concern, you will be better off taking the funicular, as this is the first stop for the Montserrat stations that the train stops at. Montserrat is actually home to two museums. There were also a number of hermitages and smaller churches built on the mountain over the centuries and you can see the ruins of a few one of the best preserved is Santa Ceclia de Montserrat. You can also purchase a ticket on-site which includes both museums. As well as the Museum of Montserrat, theres also the Espai Audiovisual, found on the level below the Basilica entrance. Finally, theres an extensive collection of archaeological exhibits from the ancient world and the Middle East, which was the first collection the museum housed. Id probably recommend this tour, but its 5.5 hours, so that might be too long for you. Other than the orb, the rest of the statue is encased in glass to protect it. This is around a 45 minute 1 hour hike downhill hike (theres a short uphill section at the start which can be misleading, but just follow the signs!) Monday - Sunday: 08:00 - 10:30 and 12:00 Noon - 18:25, Museum of Montserrat Have a great trip to Montserrat, and do let us know if you have any questions. We had an amazing trip to Barcelona because of the interesting local tips for sightseeing, activities and things to do in Barcelona Spain. Dating from at least the 14th century, the Escolania de Montserrat is one of the oldest boys choirs in Europe. The church is also famous for its boys choir, called the LEscolania. Its at least an hour each way to Montserrat from Barcelona, so 4 hours would not give you much time. There are not too many English language books covering routes on Montserrat. Thanks very much So I will be honest, I am not sure if the TOT Montserrat ticket can be used for two days. If you have the opportunity to stay overnight, you will experience a far more peaceful Montserrat. Montserrat Abbey is also home to an excellent museum, which can be found just before you cross the large plaza to the entrance of the Basilica. 
It includes pretty much all the activities you would want to do as well as lunch on the mountain, so you dont have to worry about anything. See our, We also have detailed guides to all the specific regions of the Girona Pyrenees of Catalonia, including, Another mountainous experience for lovers of nature is the Vall de Nuria, which also makes a good day trip or overnight experience from Barcelona. The Aeri de Montserrat cable car costs 7.50 one way for an adult, and 11.50 return at time of writing. However, one of the most common options for visiting Montserrat is as part of a day trip from Barcelona, so this post includes plenty of information on how to do that. The next closest campsite to Montserrat with facilities is Camping Freixa, near Manresa. Some tours include additional sight-seeing in the area, food, a guided tour, wine tasting, museum entry, or other features. Have a great trip to Montserrat, let me know if you have any more questions! Being a subscriber also makes you eligible to enter our monthly travel and photography giveaways! Monday - Friday: 08:30 - 16:30Saturday - Sunday: 08:45 - 17:00 Thanks very much So the easiest way would definitely be to join a tour, as they will handle all the transport. You just have to get to the tour start location. You can also visit St. Michaels Cross on the hike down from the St. Joan funicular, you just have to take a short detour from the main trail as you hike down to see the cross. There are also reports that you can eat here with the Tot Montserrat ticket, however the description of the ticket says that it is in fact that the below self-service restaurant. You can see full price information here. Wed definitely recommend this one if you are visiting Montserrat. Were planning a trip to Montserrat and this has really given me a good understanding of how to plan it to get the most out of the time we have! The Montserrat mountain is located approximately 50 km north-west of Barcelona and forms the separation between the comarcas Anoia, Bages and Baix Llobregat. Your email address will not be published. As you can see, there are lots of options to choose from. Basic Combination tickets from Barcelona to Montserrat, Additional Ticket Options from Barcelona to Montserrat, Taking the Bus from Barcelona to Montserrat, Taking a Tour from Barcelona to Montserrat. Heres a quick overview of the various options you have for activities. So you will want to bring some warm layers. You have several options to reach Montserrat from Barcelona: By car: There is a parking lot not far from the monastery on top of the mountain. The train is not hard to find, the only thing is to give yourself plenty of time in Barcelona to get to the right platform. Note that they generally do not perform over the summer holiday from late June to early August. Thank you for the help. Then, I hiked to the cross in the morning. This abbey has an important Roman Catholic relic, a statue of the Madonna and Child which is believed to date from at least the 12th century. La Botiga Shop The best option if you are in a wheelchair or have difficulty with steps is to do the visit in reverse, by going up the Ave Maria path, from where you will be able to get within a few meters of the statue. The basilica is open daily from 7.30am to 8pm, and the Statue of Our Lady can be visited from 8am 10.30am and then from 12pm 6.15pm. One of the most popular things to do at Montserrat is of course to go hiking. The abbey building itself was originally founded in the 11th century, however the present monastery building was rebuilt in the 19th and 20th centuries. She is sitting on a thrown and holds an orb in her right hand. This is the most expensive ticket for Montserrat, at just over 50 per person. This walk takes you past the cross as well. You can see opening hours for the basilica and the majority of other attractions at Montserrat here. The mountains are home to a wide range of hiking trails which vary from short, relatively easy trips through to longer full day hikes. Alternatively, if you stay overnight, you can visit first thing in the morning or last thing in the afternoon, when the majority of visitors will have left. You can also add on a 5 minute detour and see St. Michaels Cross on the way down. The menu focuses on Mediterranean dishes, and you can book online here. No, there is no fee to visit the Basilica at Montserrat, and you can freely visit the church and Black Madonna Statue with no charge. The two restaurant options available are Restaurant Hotel Abat Cisneros and Restaurant Montserrat. There is a small campsite located on the trail up to the Creu de Sant Miquel, around 10 minutes from the monastery. Note that there are both automated ticket vending machines and also manned ticket booths. Monday - Friday: ClosedSaturday - Sunday: 10:00 - 17:45, Interactive Exhibition We couldnt find any way to book online, but at just over 5 each way this is one of the most affordable options for getting to the top of the mountain. This means covering your shoulders, men removing hats, and covering your knees. Its not too steep, but the car park is on a gentle slope, so obviously the further away from the entry the further you would have to walk before getting to the monastery. 
By this point, the train will have already stopped at Monistrol de Montserrat, where everyone coming down the mountain in the funicular will have boarded. This gets better reviews, and you can also eat here with the Tot Montserrat ticket. They must be kept on a leash at all times. The cross on the altar dates from the 15th century. The train saves you the drive, but you have to go by the schedule. This one for example also gets you to the mountain top early, well in advance of the majority of other tours. If you stay overnight, you will also be able to catch sunrise and sunset from the top of the mountain. Wed also love to hear how it went once youre done . The only exception is if you want to take one option up the mountain and one option down the mountain, in which case you will have to buy separate single tickets for the cable car and funicular.
Is there a fee to visit the Basilica on Montserrat? It is possible to just walk to both of these locations. The driving distance is around 40 miles / 65 kilometres, making it easy to reach from Barcelona as a day trip. Really useful article, thank you! These items might include good hiking shoes, a water bottle, clothing layers and so on. Finally, something to be aware of when deciding on tickets is that the train back to Barcelona can be quite full, and possibly standing room only. Obviously there are many more tours available, those were just some suggestions. If you are booking transport or a tour, consider booking one like. The name Montserrat translates in Catalan to serrated mountain, or saw mountain, a reference to how the peaks look like the jagged teeth of a saw. You can buy these tickets in person at the train station, at the Plaa Catalunya Tourism Office, or online from the Barcelona Tourism office (as well as various other online locations). The closest city is Manresa, a little to the north. Whilst most people just use Monistrol as a junction point for transferring between the train and the transport up the mountain, there is plenty to see here, including a 14th century bridge, crumbling defensive towers, and a 16th century aqueduct. Great question. There are three other options for less formal dining at Montserrat. If you find out it is possible please let me know so I can update the guide. The mountain range is both a place of pilgrimage and a popular place for hiking (similar to the Vall de Nuria in fact), and theres a lot to do here. You can see all the prices, and book your tickets online, at the official website here, or in person at the cable car station. You are looking at the price from Zone 4. As well as being geologically interesting, Montserrat is also the home of a Benedictine Abbey. Tours vary in price and inclusions, but should include return transport to/from Barcelona, time at Montserrat itself, and your transport up the mountain (this may be by bus or rack railway). The bus departs once in the morning from Barcelona, and has one departure time on the way back. Its listed as five hours which should work, giving you in the region of 2-3 hours on the actual mountain. One of our favourite hikes was the walk down from the Sant Joan funicular, which we describe a bit later in the article. However, the car park at the top is by far the cheapest option if you are driving, as you only have to pay to park the car, and a car parking ticket is cheaper than any of the transport options up the mountain. There are a number of ways to get from Barcelona to Montserrat. We visited the Virgin of Montserrat in the early evening, and we were the only ones there. You can drive yourself, you can take public transport, you can cycle, and you can take a tour. If you are staying in Barcelona, a good option to get to Montserrat is by train. Note that Montserrat is a natural park, and wild camping is not permitted in natural parks in Spain. If you take the train from Barcelona to Montserrat, then you can take advantage of the combined train tickets, which can include either the return rack railway or return cable car ticket. It was through this town that pilgrims historically came to begin their hike up the path of pilgrimage to the Abbey of Montserrat. Or do you have any other suggestions for scenery without hiking? Another route is the much longer route (5 hours) from Cim de Sant Jeroni where you walk to the highest point of Monsterrat for the best view. In terms of timing, We visited the monastery in the evening and there was no-one else there and no lines for the black Madonna. Hi! I hope this helps let me know if I can be of any further assistance, otherwise, have a great trip! Note that the funiculars are sometimes closed for maintenance or other reasons. This is a great article and very helpful thank you for doing this. Thank you for your help. Photography is not allowed inside the Basilica, only of the Black Madonna (as of our visit anyway). We only recommend products and services that we use ourselves, and will always link to relevant information, regardless of whether or not there is an affiliate program. Terminals T1, T2 and metro L9 lobby; daily from 8.30am to 8.30pm. Photography is permitted in the Basilica interior, except during a religious service. The Santa Cova funicular runs down the mountain to the cave where, the legend goes, the image of the Virgin Mary that now resides in the Basilica was first discovered by shepherds. Weve done this twice, and you can see our guide to, If you love mountains, youre going to want to spend some time in the Spanish Pyrenees region of Catalonia. These are a little bit more expensive, but at least you can book them in advance. Hiking options can be seen on this website and also here. On the mountain is the sanctuary and the Benedictine Montserrat monastery ("Monasterio de Montserrat"). Lodging In or Around Montserrat Subscribe to our monthly newsletter. Tourist information point in Plaa Catalunya, daily from 8.30am to 8.30pm. I am a bit overwhelmed as trying to plan a trip for our group (will include 4-6 adults) as a day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona city center. The choir, called l'Escolana, consists of 30 boys who live in the monastery complex. Items like food, drink, bags, firearms, umbrellas and knives are not permitted in the majority of the buildings. This is a two pronged tip! These candles are lit as prayer offerings to the Virgin Mary, and you are welcome to light your own candle for a modest fee to contribute to this impressive collection. Here you can pick up a hiking map of the area with a number of hikes listed, including difficulty and length. If you are booking transport or a tour, consider booking one like this one or this one that gets you here at or near opening. Wait times can be anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. When returning from Montserrat via funicular which which stop to get off? Of course, whilst the parking is free, you do still have to pay for your ticket for these transport options! These can be purchased in advance of your trip, which will save you queuing at the train station, and hunting for the right ticket machine. Montserrat has a number of dining options. There are also some additional combination tickets you can buy online in advance which have more inclusions, and well also go through these. Other than those devices required for mobility purposes, devices like electric scooters and skateboards are also not permitted. Most transport options to Montserrat from Barcelona take between an hour and 90 minutes. Here are some we think you will find useful in planning your own trip. A meal in the self service restaurant at Montserrat (10 15 approx value), One of the combination tickets for the public transport, which are the, If youd prefer a private tour, this is a, If youre going to be spending time in Barcelona, check out our, There are lots of great day trips from Barcelona. Is one more scenic then the other and is the train difficult to get around and find? The tour finishes with a video presentation which takes you through a day in the life of the monastery, which includes a performance by the Escolania. There is an entry fee (its included in the Tot Montserrat ticket), but we think it is well worth the visit. Were also going to recommend some companies that do day tours to Montserrat from Barcelona. You have lots of options from easy to difficult. Thanks so much! As well as the statue, the Basilica has a number of other features that are worth enjoying on your visit. I will purchase TOT Montserrat and want to overnight there. For example, this private tour includes hotel pickup and your own vehicle, and with a private tour you should have some flexibility around timings. When you enter the car park you will go through a barrier and get a ticket, you will need to pay for your parking at a payment machine before you return to your car and leave the car park. I am going in one month with my boyfriend. which offers excellent views. Instead, you might consider this tour. There is a chapel here, which is a popular place of pilgrimage, as well as a number of sculptures by Catalan artists including Gaudi. A really nice hike that you can do from the area around the abbey is the walk to St. Michaels cross. There is one of these trains each way per day, so you are limited in that regard, but it will save you potentially standing for an hour each way if there are no seats available. This has made the Abbey and the Montserrat mountain as a whole, and important site of pilgrimage for centuries. The rack railway has a variety of prices depending on time of year and your age. The type of transport will also define which train station you get off at. According to tradition, this is the most important and mysterious mountain in Catalonia. This includes objects that date as far back as the 13th century BC. There are also maps on boards at the trailheads showing the various hiking options. Alternatively, you could ride them up the mountain to the monastery, and then walk down. Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above. We highly recommend taking the time to visit the Montserrat Museum. Its basically just the transport, but it will get you there early before the crowds and let you do everything you want. However, you can just book the individual tickets yourself for the two days instead if its not possible. The funicular has three stations, the one at Monistrol de Montserrat, one a little further up the mountain at Cremallera de Monistrol Vila and then the stop at Montserrat itself. See more tour options in our section towards the end of the post on day tours to Montserrat. Click here to see our current giveaway and enter! Bar de La Plaa is a cafe / bar which offers drinks and snacks, including sandwiches and hamburgers. For the cable car, you want to get off the train at the Aeri de Montserrat stop. Yes, you can take photos at Montserrat at most of the locations in this post, there are just a few exceptions and rules to follow. Whilst this post has covered some of the more popular activities and sights at Montserrat, there is lots more to do, as well as activities and events throughout the year. If you plan on hiking, then spring / autumn will likely be the best balance of good weather and comfortable temperatures. Complete Guide to Visiting Montserrat Spain. Once you have done the more popular things that you are interested in, then you can spend time in the museums, doing hikes, shopping, etc. This is likely going to be the easiest option, as all you have to do is book the tour, show up at the departure point (or wait in your hotel lobby if the tour offers hotel pickups), and then enjoy the scenery and sights. If you buy the tickets online, you will need to exchange the voucher for the actual tickets. So is this doable and what would be the easiest and most simple way without driving? However, it does include quite a lot, and might work out to be very cost effective if you take advantage of all the features. Partner with us | Site Map | Contact Us | Our other sites, Copyright www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com https://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/ssi/en/faq/footer.html, Arranging a School Visit From Barcelona To Montserrat, Contact Details Hotel Abbat Cisneros Montserrat. The bus is operated by Autocares Julia, and runs from the Estacin de Autobuses de Barcelona/Sants, which is next to the Sants Train Station on Viriat Street, and is around a 10-minute walk from Plaa Espanya. It is also not appropriate for strollers so youll want to leave those in an appropriate area outside. Ticket types to Montserrat: Train journey with either the Cable car or Rack Railway, Travel Options To Montserrat in Barcelona, Spain, Winter Weather Conditions in Barcelona Montserrat Mountains. The cable car is easy, as there is just one stop on each end, and the ride up the mountain only takes five minutes. According to the legend, around 880 a group of shepherds found the statue of the Virgin Mary in the holy cave 'Santa Cova', where after this discovery the mountain was surrounded by spirituality. First, the facade of the church building, which you reach after the atrium, is very pretty, and dates from the mid-20th century. As well as the return train to Barcelona, and funicular transport up the mountain, you also get: If you are interested in these addons, and the idea of guaranteed seat is appealing, then this is certainly an option to consider. When we visited Montserrat, we drove up to the car park at the top and we stayed overnight at one of the hotels at the top. The legend goes that this statue of the Virgin Mary and child was found on the Montserrat mountain in 880 although it is actually now thought that it is a Romanesque sculpture dating from the 12th century. To get to Monsterrat from Barcelona by car you just follow the C-31 road north-east out of Barcelona, and then the C-58 north-west to Montserrat. Im not sure if its both up and down he struggles with, but if he can go down then you can take the Sant Joan funicular to the top, and then walk down. Thank you so much!!! (Except 1st January and 25th December). In order to avoid crowds, I plan to arrive there early afternoon and leave next day around noon, including a hike to the cross. Congrats and thanks for your guide, Laurence! For many more tour options, see the full listing of Montserrat tours on GetYourGuide here, and Viator here. It is for tent camping only and is reached by foot. Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 16:45Saturday - Sunday: 09:00 - 17:45 since we have such limited time, main focus is to see the church, visit to museum if time, and take in some nice views. This starts near the Santa Cova funicular station, and is well signposted. Q: We are planning a trip to Barcelona this April to visit Montserrat by car. Id not say one is better than the other, they are just different. Trains run throughout the day from Barcelona-Plaa Espanya Station. After you exit the Ave Maria path, you can enter the Basilica proper to see the rest of it. Montserrat Spain is also home to one of the oldest boy choirs in Europe (probably as early as the 14th century). Barcelona Montserrat by Car, Arranging a School Visit From Barcelona To Montserrat In the yellow block you can see when the choir performs in the monastery. They generally perform twice daily in the Basilica, and you can see their performance times here. See our, A fantastic experience we can recommend to anyone visiting this region is to take a hot air balloon ride. She is one of the Black Madonnas, with both the statue of Mary and Jesus having dark skin and gold robes. The Museum of Montserrat is primarily an art museum, and it houses seven permanent collections which include over 1300 pieces, including works by artists including Dali, Monet, Chagall, Picasso and Miro. If you have time, we can definitely recommend staying overnight at Montserrat. The average temperature varies from a range of 23C/ 73F to 29C / 84F in the summer months, to 9C/48F- 15C/59F in the winter months. The official website for the Montserrat Mountain park has some good hiking routes and options here, although it is in Catalan so you will need to translate it. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a2d44522f9987594886750b2f57c9673" );document.getElementById("f959a0bfd8").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Let me know when there's a reply to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!). The other side of the tip is to remember that it can be much cooler and windier on the mountain than the surrounding plains. Please scroll to the end to leave a comment. If this is a concern, you will be better off taking the funicular, as this is the first stop for the Montserrat stations that the train stops at. Montserrat is actually home to two museums. There were also a number of hermitages and smaller churches built on the mountain over the centuries and you can see the ruins of a few one of the best preserved is Santa Ceclia de Montserrat. You can also purchase a ticket on-site which includes both museums. As well as the Museum of Montserrat, theres also the Espai Audiovisual, found on the level below the Basilica entrance. Finally, theres an extensive collection of archaeological exhibits from the ancient world and the Middle East, which was the first collection the museum housed. Id probably recommend this tour, but its 5.5 hours, so that might be too long for you. Other than the orb, the rest of the statue is encased in glass to protect it. This is around a 45 minute 1 hour hike downhill hike (theres a short uphill section at the start which can be misleading, but just follow the signs!) Monday - Sunday: 08:00 - 10:30 and 12:00 Noon - 18:25, Museum of Montserrat Have a great trip to Montserrat, and do let us know if you have any questions. We had an amazing trip to Barcelona because of the interesting local tips for sightseeing, activities and things to do in Barcelona Spain. Dating from at least the 14th century, the Escolania de Montserrat is one of the oldest boys choirs in Europe. The church is also famous for its boys choir, called the LEscolania. Its at least an hour each way to Montserrat from Barcelona, so 4 hours would not give you much time. There are not too many English language books covering routes on Montserrat. Thanks very much So I will be honest, I am not sure if the TOT Montserrat ticket can be used for two days. If you have the opportunity to stay overnight, you will experience a far more peaceful Montserrat. Montserrat Abbey is also home to an excellent museum, which can be found just before you cross the large plaza to the entrance of the Basilica. It includes pretty much all the activities you would want to do as well as lunch on the mountain, so you dont have to worry about anything. See our, We also have detailed guides to all the specific regions of the Girona Pyrenees of Catalonia, including, Another mountainous experience for lovers of nature is the Vall de Nuria, which also makes a good day trip or overnight experience from Barcelona. The Aeri de Montserrat cable car costs 7.50 one way for an adult, and 11.50 return at time of writing. However, one of the most common options for visiting Montserrat is as part of a day trip from Barcelona, so this post includes plenty of information on how to do that. The next closest campsite to Montserrat with facilities is Camping Freixa, near Manresa. Some tours include additional sight-seeing in the area, food, a guided tour, wine tasting, museum entry, or other features. Have a great trip to Montserrat, let me know if you have any more questions! Being a subscriber also makes you eligible to enter our monthly travel and photography giveaways! Monday - Friday: 08:30 - 16:30Saturday - Sunday: 08:45 - 17:00 Thanks very much So the easiest way would definitely be to join a tour, as they will handle all the transport. You just have to get to the tour start location. You can also visit St. Michaels Cross on the hike down from the St. Joan funicular, you just have to take a short detour from the main trail as you hike down to see the cross. There are also reports that you can eat here with the Tot Montserrat ticket, however the description of the ticket says that it is in fact that the below self-service restaurant. You can see full price information here. Wed definitely recommend this one if you are visiting Montserrat. Were planning a trip to Montserrat and this has really given me a good understanding of how to plan it to get the most out of the time we have! The Montserrat mountain is located approximately 50 km north-west of Barcelona and forms the separation between the comarcas Anoia, Bages and Baix Llobregat. Your email address will not be published. As you can see, there are lots of options to choose from. Basic Combination tickets from Barcelona to Montserrat, Additional Ticket Options from Barcelona to Montserrat, Taking the Bus from Barcelona to Montserrat, Taking a Tour from Barcelona to Montserrat. Heres a quick overview of the various options you have for activities. So you will want to bring some warm layers. You have several options to reach Montserrat from Barcelona: By car: There is a parking lot not far from the monastery on top of the mountain. The train is not hard to find, the only thing is to give yourself plenty of time in Barcelona to get to the right platform. Note that they generally do not perform over the summer holiday from late June to early August. Thank you for the help. Then, I hiked to the cross in the morning. This abbey has an important Roman Catholic relic, a statue of the Madonna and Child which is believed to date from at least the 12th century. La Botiga Shop The best option if you are in a wheelchair or have difficulty with steps is to do the visit in reverse, by going up the Ave Maria path, from where you will be able to get within a few meters of the statue. The basilica is open daily from 7.30am to 8pm, and the Statue of Our Lady can be visited from 8am 10.30am and then from 12pm 6.15pm. One of the most popular things to do at Montserrat is of course to go hiking. The abbey building itself was originally founded in the 11th century, however the present monastery building was rebuilt in the 19th and 20th centuries. She is sitting on a thrown and holds an orb in her right hand. This is the most expensive ticket for Montserrat, at just over 50 per person. This walk takes you past the cross as well. You can see opening hours for the basilica and the majority of other attractions at Montserrat here. The mountains are home to a wide range of hiking trails which vary from short, relatively easy trips through to longer full day hikes. Alternatively, if you stay overnight, you can visit first thing in the morning or last thing in the afternoon, when the majority of visitors will have left. You can also add on a 5 minute detour and see St. Michaels Cross on the way down. The menu focuses on Mediterranean dishes, and you can book online here. No, there is no fee to visit the Basilica at Montserrat, and you can freely visit the church and Black Madonna Statue with no charge. The two restaurant options available are Restaurant Hotel Abat Cisneros and Restaurant Montserrat. There is a small campsite located on the trail up to the Creu de Sant Miquel, around 10 minutes from the monastery. Note that there are both automated ticket vending machines and also manned ticket booths. Monday - Friday: ClosedSaturday - Sunday: 10:00 - 17:45, Interactive Exhibition We couldnt find any way to book online, but at just over 5 each way this is one of the most affordable options for getting to the top of the mountain. This means covering your shoulders, men removing hats, and covering your knees. Its not too steep, but the car park is on a gentle slope, so obviously the further away from the entry the further you would have to walk before getting to the monastery. By this point, the train will have already stopped at Monistrol de Montserrat, where everyone coming down the mountain in the funicular will have boarded. This gets better reviews, and you can also eat here with the Tot Montserrat ticket. They must be kept on a leash at all times. The cross on the altar dates from the 15th century. The train saves you the drive, but you have to go by the schedule. This one for example also gets you to the mountain top early, well in advance of the majority of other tours. If you stay overnight, you will also be able to catch sunrise and sunset from the top of the mountain. Wed also love to hear how it went once youre done . The only exception is if you want to take one option up the mountain and one option down the mountain, in which case you will have to buy separate single tickets for the cable car and funicular.