The Best Things to Do in Montserrat, Barcelona

Before you decide whether to take a Montserrat day tour, take a day trip yourself by train or car, or even spend the night and stay in a hotel in Montserrat, it’s good to have an idea of what there is to do in Montserrat and how you can explore this special place.  I’ve been to Montserrat several times and have created this ultimate guide to the best things to do in Montserrat near Barcelona, Spain so you can plan your visit!

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What is Montserrat?

Montserrat is a spectacular mountain and National Park range located about 50 kilometres northwest of Barcelona, in Catalonia, Spain. The name “Montserrat” literally means “serrated mountain,” and refers to the jagged, saw-toothed appearance of the mountain’s peaks and rock formations, which have been sculpted over millions of years by wind and rain.

Montserrat Monastery is at the heart of Montserrat, a Benedictine abbey that has been a significant religious and cultural site for centuries. The monastery is home to the revered statue of the Black Madonna (La Moreneta), which attracts thousands of pilgrims each year.

Montserrat Monastery with Serrated Peaks of Montserrat Mountain Behind
Montserrat Monastery with Serrated Peaks of Montserrat Mountain Behind

Why Should You Visit Montserrat?

Montserrat is a popular day trip from Barcelona for good reason, and it is well worth visiting while you are in the city.

The mountain range has some of the most dramatic and picturesque landscapes in Catalonia, with its unique rock formations and panoramic views.  Hikers and nature lovers will enjoy exploring the many hiking trails around the National Park, and it’s hard not to be impressed by the stunning scenery.

The spiritual significance of Montserrat is another compelling reason to visit. Montserrat Monastery is a major pilgrimage site, drawing visitors from around the world who want to see the Black Madonna.

Its proximity to Barcelona makes Montserrat an excellent choice for a day trip or a weekend getaway and there are plenty of things to do in Montserrat to keep you busy!

How to Visit Montserrat

The easiest way to visit Montserrat is to join a Montserrat day tour from Barcelona, or take the train from Barcelona and explore on your own.  This article about how to get to Montserrat from Barcelona has more information about each option.

Tickets for Montserrat

Residents can visit Montserrat for free (although they need to make reservations for Mass, to see the Black Madonna and the Boy’s Choir).  Non-residents and tourists visiting without a tour group will need to buy tickets on the Montserrat visitor’s website here.  There are various combinations of tickets available, depending on what you want to visit.

The Best Things to Do in Montserrat

Explore the Montserrat Monastery Complex

The Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey and Monastery complex includes the basilica, chapels, and museums so take some time to explore.  The Abbey is still home to around 70 Benedictine Monks, and while you can’t visit their living quarters there is plenty to see in Montserrat.

The Monastery was founded in 1025 but the current basilica was completed around 1900, after undergoing extensive rebuilding due to damage inflicted during the Napoleonic Wars.

You can still find some remnants of the original buildings as well as various sculptures and statues dotted around the area which make up an Open Air Museum in Montserrat.

The Information Office at Montserrat has a map and audio guide for the Open Air Museum of Montserrat so you can take a self-guided tour of the complex.

Some interesting features to look out for, aside from the main attractions, include:

  • The original gate and door to the complex which dates back to 1565
  • Part of the 15th century cloister to the left of entrance of the Basilica
  • Statue of the Bishop of Vic, Abbot Oliba, who founded the monastery in Montserrat
  • Statue of Sant Jordi (Saint George) by Josep Maria Subirachs
Part of the Original 15th Century Cloister at Montserrat
Part of the Original 15th Century Cloister at Montserrat
Sculpture of Abat Oliba who Founded Montserrat
Sculpture of Abat Oliba who Founded Montserrat

Basilica of Montserrat

The Basilica of Montserrat was constructed in phases over several centuries, with its most significant development occurring between the 16th and 19th centuries.

The architectural style of the Basilica of Montserrat is predominantly Gothic with Renaissance influences, with vaulted ceilings, ornate altars, and intricate carvings.

There are over 400 oil lamps inside the Basilica, each of which is unique, and the organ is made up of 4000 pipes making it one of the largest in Europe.  Another detail to look out for is the sculpture of Jesus that hangs above the altar which could be the work of Michaelangelo although it isn’t confirmed.

The facade of the basilica features a Neo-Gothic design with elaborate stonework, and sculptures of Jesus and the Twelve Apostles that stand above the entrance.  It is said that if you stand on the sphere on the floor of the atrium you are in direct contact with God, so many pilgrims stop here before entering.

The Organ and in the Basilica at Montserrat
The Organ and Altar in the Basilica at Montserrat

Visit the Black Madonna

The Black Madonna of Montserrat, known as La Moreneta, is a deeply revered Romanesque sculpture dating from the late 12th century, which is housed in the Montserrat Monastery.  Legend has it she was discovered in a cave on the mountain, and when people tried to move her to a different location she became so heavy they couldn’t carry her any further.

They took this as a sign that La Moreneta didn’t want to leave Montserrat, so they built a church on that spot, and then the monastery.  It is said that she will grant wishes and has the ability to heal people who touch her, so people line up to place their hands on hers and have a few moments to ask what they want of the Black Madonna.

The Black Madonna of Montserrat
The Black Madonna of Montserrat
Claire Touching the Hand of the Black Madonna
Claire Touching the Hand of the Black Madonna

Many also light candles and leave notes or tokens of devotion to her. The pilgrimage to Montserrat, often involving a hike up the mountain, is seen as an act of penance and devotion, and thousands of people make the journey every year.

Beyond its religious importance, the Black Madonna is a potent symbol of Catalan identity and pride. For many Catalans, visiting La Moreneta is a way to celebrate and reinforce their cultural heritage.

There is no charge for local people to visit the Black Madonna, however, there is now a €10 fee for tourists to visit, and you need to reserve tickets in advance to guarantee entry.  Book time slots on the offiical website here. Entry is to the right-hand side of the Basilica entrance.

We also visited the chapel behind the Black Madonna, which is beautifully decorated with carvings, mosaics and stained glass windows. The architect who designed the chapel,  Francesc de Paula del Villar i Lozano, was helped by a young Antoni Gaudí.

Inside the Chapel Behind the Black Madonna
Inside the Chapel Behind the Black Madonna at Montserrat

See the Boys’ Choir at Montserrat

The boys’ choir of Montserrat, known as L’Escolania, is one of the oldest and most renowned boys’ choirs in Europe. They perform regularly in the Montserrat Basilica, and their performances are a highlight for many visitors to the monastery.

Boys aged from 9 to 11 sing attend a special school here in Montserrat, and usually perform every day after mass (except on Saturday), and on some evenings, although not during the summer holidays when the school is closed.

If you’re visiting Montserrat without a tour you will need to book in order to see the choir performance, you can do that on the Montserrat Monastery website here.

L’Escalonia Montserrat Choir Times:
From Monday to Friday:
13.00h Salve and Virolai
From Monday to Thursday:
18.45h Vespers, Salve Montserratina and Polyphonic Motet
Saturdays:
The Boys’ Choir doesn’t sing
Sundays and religious holidays:
12.00h Salve and Virolai
18.45h Vespers, Salve Montserratina and Polyphonic Motet

If you’re visiting Montserrat on a day tour, not all of the tour options have the opportunity to see the choir so choose your tour carefully.  This afternoon tour includes the evening performance for example, or this private tour includes an afternoon performance.

This hiking tour also includes the choir performance, and this tour has an option to include the choir on days it is available.

Please note that the schedule can sometimes vary due to special religious celebrations, school holidays, or other events. It is always a good idea to check the latest schedule on the official Montserrat Monastery website or contact the monastery directly to ensure you can experience a performance by L’Escolania.

If you don’t manage to see a performance of the Boy’s Choir at Montserrat you can watch a video of them in the Espai Audiovisual (see below).  Their performances are also broadcast live on Montserrat TV here.

The Espai Audiovisual Interactive Exhibition

The Espai Audiovisual at Montserrat is an immersive exhibition that showcases the mountain’s complexity and all its grandeur.

Using cutting-edge museographic techniques and state-of-the-art audiovisual elements, the exhibition gives visitors the chance to learn more about Montserrat and monastic life through three key pillars – the mountain, monastery and sanctuary.

Tickets cost €5.50 per person and can be bought on the day of your visit.

Art and Sculpture inside the Museum of Montserrat
Art and Sculpture inside the Museum of Montserrat

The Museum of Montserrat

I was pleasantly surprised by this lovely museum, filled with a wonderful collection of art by Catalan artists and artists who spent time in Catalonia, including works by Salvador Dalí and Picasso.  I recognised many scenes from Barcelona and paintings of Montserrat in pieces by Josep Palau Oller and Joaquim Mir and others.

There is also a large collection of religious art, including Penitent Saint Jerome by Caravaggio, and various depictions of the Madonna and child, as well as some intricate altarpieces.

There is also a section displaying the remains of the original walls of the oldest buildings in Montserrat, so if you are interested in art and art history then this is certainly one of the best things to do in Montserrat – especially on a rainy day!

Penitent Saint Jerome by Caravaggio in the Museum of Montserrat
Penitent Saint Jerome by Caravaggio in the Museum of Montserrat
La Sagrada Familia by Dali
La Sagrada Familia by Dali

Ride the Sant Joan Funicular

Take a ride on the funicular railway to reach the summit of Sant Joan, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Montserrat and its surroundings.  The view from the top is absolutely stunning, and you get some excellent views of the Monastery on the ride up (and down).

Once at the top there is a viewing platform and paths to different hikes.  Depending on how much time you have you could just take a few photos at the viewing area and then come back down, or explore more.

Coming Down the Sant Joan Funicular with a View of Montserrat Monastery
Coming Down the Sant Joan Funicular with a View of Montserrat Monastery

Ride the Montserrat Cable Car

Most tour options don’t include a ride on the cable car as the mini-buses usually drive up the mountain and park at the Monastery, but if you are coming to Montserrat by train there are two ways to get from the mainline train stations up to the Monastery – the Cable Car and the Cremallera Rack Railway (also known as the cog-wheel train).

Both options have wonderful views of the valley and countryside around you, although the cable car probably has the best views and adds to the adventure.

That said, the Rack Railway is probably the more sensible option as it is more comfortable (and suitable for people with reduced mobility), and gives you a better chance of getting a seat on the train home as it stops at the train station before the cable car.

Read more about how to get to Montserrat here where I go into more detail comparing the two!

The Yellow Montserrat Cable Car suspended over the Valley
Montserrat Cable Car

See the Stairway to Heaven Sculpture

Now fenced off for safety reasons which does ruin the ambience somewhat, The Stairway to Heaven Sculpture at Montserrat is a striking installation by sculptor Josep Maria Subirachs.

Its official name is the “Monument to the Passion” but has gained the popular nickname “Stairway to Heaven” due to its distinctive design of large rectangular blocks arranged in a spiral, giving the impression of a stairway rising towards the sky.

Josep Maria Subirachs, the artist behind the sculpture, is also known for his work on the Passion Facade of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, which you will recognise in the Sant Jordi sculpture in the Monastery complex which is by the same artist.

The Stairway to Heaven Sculpture at Montserrat
The Stairway to Heaven Sculpture at Montserrat (Before Fencing)

Sample Local Produce at the Farmer’s Market in Montserrat

Every morning there are several market stalls that set up between the car park and the monastery, selling local cheeses, honey, nuts and dried fruits.

Most of the sellers will offer you tastings of the cheeses, and I bought an AMAZING truffle cheese that was delicious.Other varieties we tried included charcoal and a basil pesto cheese which was also very tasty.

Rosemary honey is a local speciality, and another popular item is the soft cheese mató, which is a bit like ricotta, and when served with honey is a typical Catalan dessert known as mel i mató.

Truffle Cheese for Sale at Montserrat Farmers Market
Truffle Cheese for Sale at Montserrat Farmers Market
Nuts and Honey for Sale at Montserrat Farmers Market
Nuts and Honey for Sale at Montserrat Farmers Market

Visit a Winery in El Penedes

While there are no wineries actually on Montserrat Mountain, El Penedes wine region is not far away so combining that with a visit to Montserrat is a great way to maximise your day.

Many day tours to Montserrat include a winery visit after visiting the Monastery, with some including lunch as well as a wine tasting and tour of the winery.

There are lots of Montserrat tours from Barcelona that you could choose from, all offering slightly different things, but this Montserrat & Cava Winery Tour: Day Trip from Barcelona with Lunch by Devour is certainly one of the best tours of Montserrat and El Penedes you can find.

Tasting Wine in the Vineyard on my Montserrat Tour from Barcelona
Tasting Wine in the Vineyard on my Montserrat Tour from Barcelona

I hope this post has given you a good idea about what to do in Montserrat, but if you have any more suggestions for cool things to do in Montserrat Mountain please do let me know and I’ll add them to the list!

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