Capped with a red roof that pops against the lush hillside, the facility hosts a recording studio and can accommodate up to 500 people for conferences, weddings, and cultural events. It is located inside the Monastery's book shop and also provides information about the Monastery's famous printing press. It serves a number of purposes - it will bring you to the starting point of three potential walks around Montserrat Mountain (see above, under 'Walks around Montserrat' for more details), it will also bring you to the small exhibit on Montserrat natural park (see above, under 'Montserrat Mountain' for more details) and it will also be an exciting journey in itself offering bird's eye views of the Monastery. You can also enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding exclusion zone, the abandoned capital of Plymouth, and the cloud-capped volcano looming beyond. Known as the "Emerald Isle" of the Caribbean, magnificent Montserrat survives as a somber spectacle of nature's awe-inspiring power. Rich in natural beauty, friendly Montserrat is a haven for those seeking a slow and peaceful slice of tropical island life and a humbling reminder of nature's brute force. The observatory is often included on tours of the Exclusion Zone. They are known for a specific type of singing known as Gregorian chanting. The interiors have been recently redesigned by a world famous abstract artist Sean Scully, and since June 2015, his imaginative works have been open to the public. Click here to book your tickets online for the Montserrat Morning guided tour leaving from Barcelona. Although set deep in the exclusion zone on the south side of the island, the former capital city of Montserrat, Plymouth, is just about still visible. Each day at Montserrat there are a minimum of two masses in the Basilica. According to legend, those who drink from it will return to Montserrat again. Due to the fact that Montserrat is seen mainly as a religious destination, many people are unaware of the high standard of art that is on display in the museum. During Francos dictatorship, Montserrats Abbey became a symbol of opposition to that leading political power. It is situated in the Basilica of Montserrat, and can be visited for free. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Montserrat. Keep in mind that you would meet some obstacles on your way; for example, the way to the legendary La Sala del Pozo del Diablo (Cave of the Devils Well) goes down the narrowest and steepest steps. Woodlands Bay | David Stanley / photo modified. The first possibility is to take an impressive 5-minute ride in a cable car. Its all prime diving country! After the volcanic eruptions, the southern reefs were reborn, and the budding marine life drifted to the reefs in the north, boosting their populations. For details on the location, times and variety of masses at Montserrat, see our Masses at Montserrat page. If you look at a Montserrat map, you'll notice that most of the accommodation peppers the island's west coast. For details on the history of the Black Madonna, plus information on viewing times, location, disabled access and waiting times, see our Black Madonna of Montserrat page. Want to learn more about the volcanic eruptions that devastated this island? It also offers displays giving an insight into the daily lives of the monks that live in the Monastery. For ideas on the best places to visit and popular things to do here, read our list of the top attractions in Montserrat. The Black Virgin is one of the exceptional Madonnas wooden images of a totally black color. The Montserrat Cultural Centre is a top attraction in Little Bay. If you are not up to visiting museums and queuing in lines with hordes of foreign tourists, just come to Montserrat to walk or hike among the stunning rocky peaks. It was the only place to offer religious services native in Catalan despite the official ban of this language and many anti-nationalist leaders were sheltered behind this monastery walls. The second possibility is to go up the mountain by the train Cremallera, for which you should get off the Barcelonas train at the stop Monistrol de Montserrat. The masses take different forms depending on which one you attend. For details on the running times, price, journey times and disabled access of the funicular, see our Funicular de Sant Joan page. They are one of the most famous choirs in the world and people come from within and beyond Spain to hear them sing. With Montserrat famed for its curious Irish-Carib inhabitants (Irish folk have been settling here since the 1600s, when many were expelled from the British Isles during the English Civil War), it should come as no surprise that March means one thing and one thing only: St Paddys. There are food options at Montserrat to suit all tastes and budgets. The cliffs above the beach are a great spot to enjoy a picnic and a good vantage point for spotting migrating whales. Rentals are available in Little Bay. A covered clifftop picnic area provides benches, showers, toilets and barbecues. Here, you can get a more in-depth and structured overview of Montserrats sacred role and mighty status in Catalonia through the archive images and videos. Montserrat Island Dive Centre and Scuba Montserrat at Little Bay are the island's most popular dive shops. The best way to enjoy a visit here is to organize a tour with a knowledgable guide, preferably someone who was personally impacted by the volcano's eruption and can compare and contrast life before and after this tragic event. Some of these include Jack Boy Hill, the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, and Garibaldi Hill. Yep, this tiny speck on the map of the Caribbean hosts some of the most raucous Irish celebrations in the tropics. There you may visit a chapel and a picturesque Rosari Monumental, a park of religious sculptures created by the key architects of the Catalan modernism. Change rooms are available here, too. Ghauts (pronounced 'guts') are steep ravines that send rainwater rushing down from the mountains into the sea. This small black-sand beach is ideal for relaxing, but the waters here are often rough, and swimming can be dangerous. The jungle clambers over the cliffs and rocks at Woodlands Bay, draping down towards the brown-beige sands and the frothing Caribbean Sea. Today, the volcano is part of an exclusion zone, however you can organize a guided and police-escorted tour, subject to seismic activity, to parts of this zone through Sun's Montserrat Island Tours. If you are traveling around the island on your own, you can also experience and photograph a sobering view of the volcano and its path of destruction from several vantage points. Each year thousands of pilgrims come to Montserrat to pray in front of the distinctive statue. When the shepherds wanted to move the Black Virgin to the nearby village of Manresa, it became so heavy that they considered it as a sign to leave the statue on the mountain. There are five official walks that begin at Montserrat Monastery and involve a walk around Montserrat Mountain. The Black Virgin of Montserrat is a patron of Catalonia, and people all over the world come to worship here and see this miracle-working sculpture. Montserrats only white sandy beach is a lovely (though totally facility-free) crescent perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Theres also a truly eye-opening section dedicated to the destructive eruptions of Soufriere Hills. A high vantage point also allows for great views out over the ocean. It's the only place outside of Ireland to declare St. Patrick's Day an official holiday. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. The trail is known for the scenic views that extend across the island and coastline, and it's also a good area for birding. These sprawl out at the bottom of the ocean in a medley of great sea sponges and colourful parrotfish, running all the way to the Antiguan island of Redonda to the northwest. Peaceful Woodlands Bay lies close to the villages at the southwestern end of the Northern Zone. You might catch a glimpse of them as you paddle past on a kayak. Despite its southern haunch being almost entirely encompassed by a volcano exclusion zone, Montserrat remains a veritable mecca for hikers and trekkers. Covered in tropical rainforest, the Centre Hills are renowned for their biological diversity and rich habitats. At the interpretation center, an 18-minute documentary by local filmmaker David Lea includes riveting live footage of the eruptions and insight into the physical and social upheaval they caused. It can only be accessed via a steep 0.7-mile trail from Little Bay. The area also harbors many species of reptiles and amphibians, and two species of bats. A trip to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory gives an excellent overview of the volcanic eruptions and their impact on this beautiful island. There is also a small exhibit at the top of the Funicular de Sant Joan that provides information on the wildlife and the vegetation around the mountain. Montserrat Museum is an art museum with a wide selection of works dating from the thirteenth century right up to the present day. Privacy Policy | and for its deep, lush green backcountry. Divers can see everything from huge sponges and heads of brain coral to kaleidoscopic tropical fish, spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, and sharks. Montserrat Cultural Centre | David Stanley / photo modified. The north side of the island puckers with lush peaks, and to the south lies an eerie lunar scape of deserted settlements and blackened valleys scarred by a series of devastating volcanic eruptions that began in 1995. Enjoy the best of Montserrat with an organized coach tour from Barcelona. Some hotels perch atop lush hillsides with rain forest, volcano, and ocean views. A highlight of a visit is watching an excellent 20-minute video on the Soufrire Hills Volcano, which shows how the eruption impacted life on the island. Birders who head here will be able to spy out the rare and elegant likes of Antillean crested hummingbirds, purple-throated Caribs, cuckoos, forest thrushes and more, not to mention a Jurassic array of reptiles in the undergrowth! This hike offers a glimpse of life in the rainforest and an opportunity to see Montserrat's national bird, the oriole. Divers looking to escape the crowds and explore thriving coral reefs will love Montserrat. Look out for riptides if you're braving the swells. The best way to explore this wonderland of rare species is on the hiking trails. The basilica at Montserrat is an ornate Renaissance structure. Here, you can learn a little about this fascinating island through permanent and rotating exhibits on the island's history, arts and crafts, and local way of life. A gift shop on the premises sells handcrafted souvenirs, and you can also organize guided hikes on the island's nature trails here. Carved into the bluff here are two caves that are home to large colonies of Antillean fruit-eating bats. Local legend states that anyone who sips the spring water at the drinking fountain here is destined to return to Montserrat. It's known for its resident green moray eel and visiting nurse sharks. Other popular festivals include the Calabash Festival, held in July, and Carnival, which takes place over the two weeks leading up to the New Year, with music, dancing, costumes, parades, and competitions. The first notion of the Abbey dates back to the 9th century; however, the solid expansion of the complex was done in 1025. All rights reserved. Scientists at the MVO keep track of the volcanos every belch and hiccup. Good snorkeling can be had by the cliffs on the south end. Carved and chiselled from the landscapes of northern Montserrat in a medley of steep-sided cliffs and vertical ravines, gushing streams and waterfalls, the great Runaway Ghaut is one of the top destinations for hikers and outdoorsy types here. We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Scientists at the observatory monitor seismic activity on the island and share live recordings with visitors. Monastir de Montserrat | worldaroundtrip / Flickr, Courtesy of Elena Isaeva /nelenelenblog.wordpress.com, La Moreneta, the statue of the Black Virgin Of Montserrat-001. Make sure you see all the important attractions at Montserrat and learn about the history with a qualified guide. Official site: http://montserratnationaltrust.ms/, Runaway Ghaut | Ed Clayton / photo modified. The drinks are a real pull too, with healthy fruit smoothies and blended mocktails infused with the fresh fruits of Montserrat itself. The ancient building of the Abbey was almost totally demolished by the Napoleonic troops, who tried to find the Holy Grail in the walls of the Abbey. A favorite dive lies off Redonda, a small island about 14 miles from Montserrat. For information on the architect and history of the basilica, plus information on opening times, location and what you can do there, see our Basilica at Montserrat page. Nestled between two headlands of rugged cliffs and a wall of scrub-topped coastal mountains, Little Bay Beach remains one of the most popular seaside spots on all of Montserrat. Runaway Ghaut is one of Montserrat's most famous ghauts (pronounced "guts"). The path runs through an old banana plantation and near the ruins of a cottage that belonged to a prominent family on the island. Bring plenty of water and sun protection. Montserrat's boy's choir are called 'L'Escolania'. Theres also a gift shop for those colourful Caribbean souvenirs, along with a series of outdoor areas laden with waxy orchids and banana trees, rubber groves and blooming tropical flowers. The beach is a nesting ground for sea turtles, and you'll find some decent snorkeling - especially around the rocks at the south end of the beach. It has a mystic healing power and protects people from the negative energy. Taking place each week, this humble version of the Carib fish fry is curated by the perennially-smiling John Ponteen, whos been specialising in simple, tropical foods in his seaside eatery for years. One drawback: The waters and rip currents can get rough here, so swimmings not the best idea. Montserrat National Trust headquarters is a great place to visit when you first arrive on the island. If you plan to come to Montserrat from Barcelona, its easy to do it by public transport. The joint is a fine reward for hikers attempting to conquer the walking route that runs right next to the establishment, with that on-site caf serving up some of the most acclaimed cappuccinos and espressos on the island. Hiking along the short 10-minute Runaway Ghaut Trail, you can see luxuriant vegetation and huge tropical trees, as well as more than 20 different species of birds. The bay itself is favored for swimming, diving, and snorkeling. Backed by steep scrub-clad hills, its wide and accommodating, with powdery sand that edges down to a deep, navy shore. These steep ravines carry rainwater to the sea from high in the mountains. There are two formal restaurants, two self-service cafeterias, a cafe and a supermarket. To catch it, you should get off the Barcelonas train at the stop Aeri de Montserrat. Terms of use | These walks allow you to take in different parts of the mountain and to pass by well known hermitages, landmarks and religious settings. You won't find any large resorts on this Caribbean gem. But for now, as the urban area remains under the hammer, this small cove continues to ooze chilled Caribbean vibes. The Funicular de Santa Cova will take you back down the mountain slightly and will drop you at the start of a walk that will allow you to visit the famous Santa Cova cave. The St. Patrick's Week Celebration is a highlight in Montserrat. Ecotourists and nature lovers travel by ferry from Antigua to hike the verdant rainforest trails, spot some of the island's many species of birds, dive and snorkel the thriving coral reefs, and sunbathe on the silver-sand beaches. She is located in the Montserrat Basilica, framed in an ornate setting and overlooking the church's altar. If you are in search of a memento of the choir, gifts for friends, artisan products made by the Monks or just a spot of lunch, you will be able to find all of these at Montserrat monastery. Here you can see works by El Greco, Caravaggio, Berruguete, plus paintings by the French impressionists Pissarro, Degas, Monet and 20th century geniuses like Dali, Picasso, and Rusiol. Guided tours are available through the Montserrat National Trust. Select from 24 different tours to Monsterrat and find the tour which is best for you. Montserrat National Trust | Christine Warner Hawks / photo modified. Tucked beneath towering cliffs, the peaceful beach at Rendezvous Bay is Montserrat's only stretch of blond sand. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. This page will provide links to more detailed pages on all of the different tourist attractions at Montserrat Monastery: the Black Madonna, the Basilica, the Choir, the masses, Montserrat museums, walks around Montserrat, Montserrat Mountain, the funiculars at Montserrat, the restaurants and the shops in Montserrat. Secluded and empty and with a shoreline thats often peppered with the pods of migrating whales, this little enclave on the west coast of Montserrat is a fine place to settle down for some sunset viewing or a spot of beachcombing. For details on the running times, price, journey times and disabled access of the funicular, see our Funicular de Sant Cova page. After touring the exhibits, take a self-guided stroll around the botanical gardens and nature trails. If you enjoy modern art, dont skip the churchs interior! From the main observation platform where the Benedictine Abbey is situated, you can continue your adventures taking one of the two funiculars. About halfway down the western coast, this easily accessible dark-sand beach is often footprint-free but has little shade. Promptly abandoned in the face of the same geological forces that destroyed Pompeii in Italy all those centuries ago, the whole town now lies in ruins. Later, to reach the mountains main observation platform, you have to choose between the two interesting options that would add some more colorful impressions to your trip. The building that can be witnessed nowadays is the result of the 19th century renovation. Copyright www.montserrat-tourist-guide.com https://www.montserrat-tourist-guide.com/ssi/en/footer.html, rack railway that takes you up to Montserrat Monastery. Inside the audiovisual room, you will find a curious exposition devoted to the history and legends of the Montserrat mountain park, the Black Virgin miracle power and the Benedictine Abbey. Check with the National Trust for details. The scarred island of Montserrat has endured more volcanic eruptions than any other in the region in modern times. Heres the list of the most important things to see and do during your trip to Montserrat. It is possible to take walks around the natural park (see above) and to take in the flora and fauna. There you will find the other hiking routes which lead to the most tallest mountain peaks (e.g., Sant Jeroni) and a tourist walk towards the Chapel of Sant Joan. The Black Madonna statue is one of the most important and popular attractions at Montserrat Monastery. The calm waters are great for swimming and snorkeling, and you can relax along the gray-sand shore and watch boats bob in port at the bay's northern end. Another place to learn more about this rugged Caribbean island is the Montserrat National Museum in Little Bay, a short stroll from the ferry terminal. Rising to a smoky peak on the southern side of the island, the mighty Soufriere Hills Volcano really is a breath-taking sight to behold. Have a look at the options ahead of your visit and you can prioritise the attractions that most appeal to you. And while the salty seafood and breadfruit salads are top-notch, its the setting here that really comes up trumps: Youll be dining just a few meters back from the lapping waves of Little Bay Beach! Complete with an immersive historical section and surrounding botanical gardens, the Montserrat National Trust center is the perfect place to go and get a feel for the islands unique natural history, its biodiversity and interesting geological story.