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We had the amazing experience of visiting Montserrat, located right outside of Barcelona, Spain. It was an on-off day weather-wise…sun…drizzle…clouds…sun…repeat. However, the time we spent at this spectacular location was truly memorable.
This article will provide you with information on all of the different tourist attractions to visit; 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.
WHAT IS MONTSERRAT?
It is a multi-peaked mountain range near Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain. It is part of the Catalan Pre-Coastal Range. Its literal meaning is “Saw (serrated) Mountains.” On top of the mountains are the well-known sites of The Benedictine Abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat, in which you will find the Virgin of Montserrat, one of the few found in Europe, hiking trails, and the most spectacular views.
WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE A DAY TRIP TO MONTSERRAT, SPAIN?
Escape the hustle and bustle of Barcelona as you explore the beauty of the Montserrat Mountains. Montserrat has something for everyone! For people with religious convictions, it is an entirely spiritual experience, seeing the Black Madonna, visiting Santa Cova, or attending a mass. Not a religious person, there is still so much to take in. The beauty and views on top of those mountains should not be missed! A nature enthusiast, come experience the climb and walks all over the Montserrat Mountains. Music lover, make sure you don’t miss Montserrat’s famous boy’s choir. If art is your thing, check out the works of art on display in Montserrat’s museum.
HOW MUCH TIME TO ALLOW FOR MONTSERRAT
Depending on what your plans are, if you are planning to hike the trails then a full day should be allotted. However, if your plans are to see the Basilica and its surroundings then a half day should suffice. Keep in mind that the travel time each way is about one and a half hours, this includes your wait time and transfers. We were back in Barcelona and ready for dinner and sangria after our adventure to Montserrat!
HOW TO GET TO MONTSERRAT
No worries…it is painless. First off, make sure to start your day off early and give yourself plenty of time to explore this region. You have several options available, you can travel by train, bus, car or tour. There are two different train stations that can get you up the mountain to Montserrat. We took the train, and it was pretty easy and stress-free.
The journey takes about 1 hour. You will need to ride two trains. One, starting from the Barcelona Plaça España station to the Cremallera Rack Railway at Monistrol de Montserrat station. There you will catch the train going up Monsterrat Mountain. You will also take the same route to get back to Barcelona. While at Montserrat you will go to the Monastery, there you will take the Cremallera Rack Railway going back down the mountain. Then take the train going back to Barcelona Plaça España station.
BEST THINGS TO VISIT AT MONTSERRAT
MONTSERRAT BASILICA
The Basilica at Montserrat is where you will find ‘The Black Madonna.’ This statue is one of the most important and widely visited attractions at the Montserrat Monastery. People from all over the world come here to pray in front of this statue. The lines can become long, so try and time your visit in the early morning.
The Basilica’s Renaissance architectural structure feels very spiritual and has tons of historical perspectives. It is also here at The Basilica at Montserrat where you will be able to attend masses and watch the Montserrat choir. The official mass schedule here.
MONTSERRAT MUSEUM
Don’t miss the Montserrat Museum featuring works dating from the thirteenth century right up to the present day. It is here, where you will find on display famous works from some of the greatest artists; Berruguete, El Greco, Caravaggio, Fortuny, Rusiñol, Casas, Picasso, Nonell, Mir, Dalí, Monet, Sisley, Degas, Pissarro, Chagall, Braque, Le Corbusier, Tàpies and more. Visit the Official site http://www.museudemontserrat.com/en/index.html
THE FAMOUS BOY’S CHOIR
The Montserrat Boys Choir is world-renowned and is also called ‘L’Escolania.’ Their first performance was over 700 years ago. The choir normally performs twice daily and is open to all visitors in Montserrat. They perform in the Basilica of Montserrat at 1:00 and 6:45 each day. For more information about the Boys Choir visit https://www.escolania.cat/
THE FUNICULARS AT MONTSERRAT to SANT JOAN
Take the funicular up to Sant Joan. This gets you to trails for Sant Jeroni. Not hiking, just take in the spectacular mountain views and much of Catalonia.
SANT JERONI
Sant Jeroni has the highest peaks of these mountains. If you are planning the hike, take the path on the right and pass the small bridge straight for Sant Jeroni. Stay on the marked trails and enjoy the mind-blowing views. You should be fit in order to attempt this hike.
WHERE TO EAT
BAG IT
Why not bag it and find a beautiful, serene spot to have your lunch?
CAFETERIA
Cafeteria-style food is served here and has something for everyone whether it be a snack, light lunch, or full meal. It will do for day in the mountains
HOSTEL ABAT CISERNOS RESTAURANTE
This is the most expensive option, however, the setting feels like you are in a cave in the mountains and offers a relaxing atmosphere. They offer a 3-course meal for right around E28. Hostel Abat Cisneros has provided accommodation for pilgrims since its original construction in 1563. This old monastery building was converted into a hostel in the late 1950s and also services lunch and dinner.
