Montserrat Monastery

Montserrat Monastery

Introduction   Montserrat Monastery is located 60 kilometers from downtown Barcelona and is famous for its uniquely shaped rock formations, the Black Madonna, and Europe’s oldest boys' choir. It is regarded as the spiritual and soul guardian of the Catalan people, attracting pilgrims since ancient times. Nestled among the mountains, the monastery sits backed by rugged cliffs, exuding a serene and lofty atmosphere.

Entering through the right-side door of the monastery cathedral, you can see Montserrat’s famous Black Madonna statue, a Neo-Romanesque sculpture.

Choir performance: Two shows daily at 13:00 and 18:45. This is Europe’s oldest boys' choir.

After visiting the monastery, you can also hike in the mountains to enjoy the magnificent peaks and visit the Holy Grotto of Santa Cova, where the Black Madonna was discovered. The path to the cave is lined with prayer plaques, including works carved by Gaudí.  Transportation   By road: You can drive from Barcelona–Manresa highway, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

By train: Take a Catalan Railways train to Montserrat Aeri station, then transfer to the cable car up the mountain. Approximately 1 hour.

Cable car:

Santa Cova line: Every 20 minutes, one-way €1.6, round-trip €2.5.  Sant Joan line: Every 20 minutes, one-way €3.8, round-trip €6.1.  Tickets / Opening Hours   Tickets: €4.5.

Barcelona, Spain