Montserrat

Way Up High the Montserrat

Montserrat Monastery

Getting There

From Plaça d'España, buy a Montserrat ticket in the station. The Trans Montserrat is ideal for a day trip to the monastery. For €31.80, it includes:

- return trip: Metro De Barcelona

- return trip: Train Pl. Espanya <-> Montserrat Monastery

- Funicular rides to/fro Montserrat Monastery

Montserrat

Montserrat Monastery

Montserrat Monastery

Officially founded by Abbot of Ripoli and Bishop of Vic, Oliba in 1025, the monastery is known to have the Romanesque church containing the carving of the image of the Mother of God. Every year, thousands of pilgrims make their way to this Benedictine abbey to view this sacred image.

Montserrat Monastery alleyway

Today, the monastery is home to Benedictine monks.

What To Do and See

The Black Virgin in the Basilica of Monsterrat

Inside the Basilica

People flock to the Basilica to worship the Black Virgin of Montserrat, a patron of Catalonia. According to legends, it was discovered by shepherds where the Holy Cave of Montserrat during the 19th century. People believe that this black wooden statue of the Virgin has healing powers.

The Benedictine Abbey

The Atrium

You can easily enter the impressive basilica, but the other sacred areas are closed to the public or have special visiting schedules. The Abbey dates back to the 9th century but the expansion was done in 1025. The present building is already a product of the 19th century renovation. During which, the Abbey served as a symbol of opposition to the reigning dictator, Franco. It was the only place offering religious services native in Catalan despite the official ban of the language.

The Funiculars of Santa Cova and of Sant Joan

The funicular of Santa Cova heads to the Holy Cave where the Black Virgin was discovered. There is a chapel and a picturesque Rosari Monumental, which is a park of religious sculptures created by key architects of Catalan modernism.

Sant Joan Miro

The funicular of Sant Joan goes to the sub peak of the Montserrat mountain, a starting point of different hiking trails that go higher up the mountain and lead to various other points of interest.

Hiking Trails

Hiking trail

At Sant Joan observation platform, there's a map that indicates roughly the distance and the length of each known trail. 

Montserrat Hiking Trail Map

One of the trails lead to the mountain's tallest peak, Sant Jeroni, while another trail leads to the Chapel of Sant Joan. The different trails have different difficulty.

To Chapel of Sant Joan

Chapel of Sant Joan

Recommended length of stay: 1 whole day

Tip: Go early so you can do so much more with less amount of people. Pick a weekday instead of going over the weekend.