Advisors Recommend

☀️ About Montserrat

Montserrat Abbey is a famous monastery not far from Barcelona. It is located in the natural park of scenic serrated mountains. The abbey is a spiritual center of Catalonia. Over the centuries it became an important place of pilgrimage. After the Spanish Civil War, the monastery became a shelter for Catalan separatists. And later, during the years of Francisco Franco’s regime, it was the only place where the prayers were conducted in Catalan language. It is the perfect destination to admire Catalan nature and learn more about history and culture of Catalonia.

🚌 Get to Montserrat with comfort

Montserrat is situated just about an hour northwest of Barcelona. You can go by car, train or even walk there (there are hiking routes which are actually quite popular). But for a stress-free journey, we recommend to hop on a bus. There are several daily services from Barcelona. This way you can just sit back and enjoy the ride.

⛪ Discover Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey

Once you arrive, you can explore the main basilica. It feels straight out of a medieval fairy tale with grand vaulted ceilings, intricate mosaics and stained glass windows. Get to see Virgin of Montserrat, an ancient statue of the Holy Mary, venerated as the patron of Catalonia. Finally, admire the treasures of Montserrat museums which there are a few on the mountain.

🌄 Hit the hiking trails

Surrounding mountains offer incredible panoramic views. We recommend you to make at least one hiking trail to enjoy the beauty of Catalan landscapes and snap some mesmerizing photos for your Instagram feed. You can choose from routes with different level of difficulty. Plus, there are several funicular rack railways which can bring you to the beginning of a route or help safely get back to the abbey.

📋 Take a guided tour

If planning isn't your thing, no worries! There are tons of guided tours from Barcelona to make your life easier.

See our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Montserrat Monastery created to help you plan your trip to Montserrat.

The Benedictine monastery was founded on the Monserrat Mountain back in the 11th century. However, the ancient building was almost completely destroyed by Napoleon’s troops. But you will still be able to see some bits of medieval art, like a peaceful cloister next to the main façade or sepulchers of Catalan royalty. The modern abbey dates to the 19th-20th century. It has beautiful architecture and intricate mosaics. With the Virgin of Montserrat being a patron of Catalonia, this place has always had a special significance for Catalan people. That is why the construction of the abbey was truly a national project. Most of the art adorning the basilica was donated by different Catalan cities and societies (for example, by FC Barcelona). The entrance to the basilica is free of charge.

📸 Instagram

Distant and difficulty: varies depending on the trail you will take. From 3km to 12 km.

It is one of the most emblematic tours in Catalonia. Montserrat is a very special mountain that deserves more than one visit. It houses theSanta Maria de Montserrat Abbey, which for centuries have been an important place of pilgrimages. In addition to visiting the sanctuary, you can take several mountain routes. The serrated mountains landscape is breathtaking. You can reach Montserrat by bus or train from Barcelona and then you will need to take a cable car or funicular to get to the sanctuary.

Montserrat is located around 30 kilometers to the northwest of Barcelona. So, it is an easy ride by car. Get to the town of Monistrol de Montserrat first. The journey will take about 50 minutes. And then, you can follow a steep and winding but well-paved road to get to the monastery and park there. (The parking is paid; you can see the prices for the parking here). Or, leave the car at the foot of the mountain and take a rack railway or a cable car (see below). Parking by the rack railway and cable car stations is free. 

Perhaps this is the easiest option, which does not require much from you. Tours vary in price and inclusion. A standard tour, which covers transportation, access to the basilica, and basic guide services, will cost around 50-60 Euros per person. A small group tour with a hotel pick-up will be around 80 Euros. However, there are also more extravagant options, which include a wine tasting or a hot air balloon experience.

Montserrat's unique mountain range cradles a sacred monastery, merging natural wonders with spiritual solace. The trails offer a physical and spiritual journey, while the local 'mató' cheese sweetened with honey is a culinary must-try. It's a place where nature and spirituality find a harmonious balance.