Montserrat tour with skip the line acces to the Black Madonna from Barcelona
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5 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Offered in: English and 1 more
Overview
Explore the Royal Basilica and Monastery of Montserrat independently on this half-day trip from Barcelona. Travel by coach to the spectacular, mountainside Benedictine abbey, one of Spain’s most popular pilgrimage sites for its revered "Black Madonna" statue. Then, enjoy free time to explore, making this one of the most flexible Montserrat tours from Barcelona available.
- Explore the basilica independently and see its 12th-century carving of the Black Virgin
- Enjoy spectacular views from the Montserrat mountains
- Relax with transportation by deluxe air-conditioned coach
- Tasting of four typical liquors made by the resident monks
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Meet your guide in central Barcelona. Depart by air-conditioned coach and head to the mountain of Montserrat, a cluster of cone-like peaks that reach up to 4,051 feet (1,235 meters) in height to the north of the city.
As you travel, pass through scenic villages and hear tales from your guide about Montserrat’s main claim-to-fame—the magnificent Royal Basilica and Monastery of Montserrat. The mountainside church and Benedictine abbey is best known for its Black Madonna (La Moroneta), a statue of the Virgin Mary that has made it one of Spain’s most popular pilgrimage sites for centuries.
Admire the epic landscapes as you ascend the mountain, and on arrival, take in the views over the countryside and Barcelona. Then, after an introduction to Montserrat’s history, use your entrance ticket to head inside and enjoy free time to explore.
Explore the vast basilica and its echoing interior, see the revered Black Madonna, a small wooden statue housed in a small room, and learn the story behind this hallowed sculpture. Then, if time allows, walk up to the grotto, traditionally said to be where the statue was discovered.
If your tour is on a weekday (select dates only), perhaps hear a recital by the Escolania, one of the most renowned boys’ choirs in Europe. You can also opt for a walk through Montserrat’s audiovisual museum to learn about the daily life of the monks, finishing at the gift shop to taste and perhaps buy some of the traditional liquors made at the monastery.
After your time exploring independently, return to Barcelona by coach where your trip ends.
As you travel, pass through scenic villages and hear tales from your guide about Montserrat’s main claim-to-fame—the magnificent Royal Basilica and Monastery of Montserrat. The mountainside church and Benedictine abbey is best known for its Black Madonna (La Moroneta), a statue of the Virgin Mary that has made it one of Spain’s most popular pilgrimage sites for centuries.
Admire the epic landscapes as you ascend the mountain, and on arrival, take in the views over the countryside and Barcelona. Then, after an introduction to Montserrat’s history, use your entrance ticket to head inside and enjoy free time to explore.
Explore the vast basilica and its echoing interior, see the revered Black Madonna, a small wooden statue housed in a small room, and learn the story behind this hallowed sculpture. Then, if time allows, walk up to the grotto, traditionally said to be where the statue was discovered.
If your tour is on a weekday (select dates only), perhaps hear a recital by the Escolania, one of the most renowned boys’ choirs in Europe. You can also opt for a walk through Montserrat’s audiovisual museum to learn about the daily life of the monks, finishing at the gift shop to taste and perhaps buy some of the traditional liquors made at the monastery.
After your time exploring independently, return to Barcelona by coach where your trip ends.
Itinerary
Montserrat is a rocky mountain located 50 km to the southwest of Barcelona. It is considered the most significant and important mountain of Catalonia. The etymology of Montserrat comes from Catalan Mont (mountain) and serrat (serrated). The mountain receives its name for its peculiar morphology. In 1987 Montserrat was declared a Natural Park to ensure its conservation. The highest peak is called Sant Jeroni (Saint Jerome) and stands at 1,236 meters above sea level.
Besides the main monastery of Santa María de Montserrat, there is a great number of small churches and chapels, some of them abandoned. The main monastery stands at 720 meters above sea level. Nowadays there is a community of 80 monks that live there and follow the rule of Saint Benedict.
When you arrive, you will enjoy an introduction to the history of the monastery.
Duration: 1 hour
Admission Ticket Free
The Mountain has many hiking routes. The routes are long and it can take hours to finish them. As you will have some free time, a good option is to walk to the cross of Sant Miguel (approximately 15 minutes away from the monastery), it offers one of the best panoramic views of the mountain and the monastery.
Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
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Traveler Tips
- "Clear day, but be prepared for lots of tourists and waiting in line to see Black Madonna or Choir sing." See review
- "I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants some flexibility to explore Montserrat!" See review
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Montserrat tour with skip the line acces to the Black Madonna from Barcelona
5 hours 30 minutes
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$56.89
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