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Spectacular views. Incredible paths in nature. It is a suggestive hermitage set in the rock, with an absurdly unique shape, as the meaning of the name suggests (sawed mountain).
If you have already been on holiday in Barcelona, or have half a day to spare, Montserrat is an absolutely unmissable destination.
Today the Monastery of Montserrat is one of the then important pilgrimage sites of the whole Iberian Peninsula. But it is not only for the spirituality that one goes to these parts. Its unique position, 720 meters above sea level, offers impressive views, up to over 1200 meters from the Sant Jeroni peak.
Precisely for this reason, the place is particularly loved by hikers and trekking enthusiasts, who will be able to “test themselves” with more or less tiring routes.
Equally spectacular is the journey to reach it by cogwheel train or, alternatively, by cable car (Aeri de Montserrat).
PRACTICAL INFO
HOW TO GET TO THE MONTSERRAT MONASTERY
The monastery of Montserrat is located about 60 kilometers by car from Barcelona, easily reachable in less than an hour.
Near the Monastery you will not have particular difficulties in parking. The cost is €6.50 for cars and €3.50 for motorcycles, for a whole day. The first 30′ is free.
Every hour, starting at around 08:30, the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat train to Montserrat takes you to the valley stations of the cable car and the cogwheel train.
The cable car (Aeri de Montserrat) arrives near the Monastery in a 5-minute journey, through spectacular views across the area. Departures every 15 minutes.
The ticket for the cable car costs €8 for adults and €4.50 for children (4-13 years) and can be purchased directly from here.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE
Beautiful and evocative, the Basilica includes beautiful works and offers truly impressive views of the entire surrounding area.
Do not miss the adjoining museum with beautiful paintings and works, and the “Moreneta”, the Virgin Mary venerated throughout Catalonia. The image is kept in the Holy Grotto, a real pilgrimage destination, visited by faithful and onlookers from all over the world.
The Escolania de Montserrat, on the other hand, is the children’s choir of the Basilica of the Abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat. It is one of the oldest choirs in Europe, already active in the fourteenth century. Every day, from Monday to Friday, you can attend the performances of about 50 children between 9 and 14 years: a truly suggestive show.
Montserrat is a perfect place for those who practice trekking. Near the Monastery there is a special Tourist Office where you can get all the information on the 5 available routes.
Do not miss the spectacular excursion of Sant Jeroni which exceeds 1200 meters in height. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, a backpack with water and efficient food for your excursions.
OPENING TIME
The Basilica is open every day from 07:00 to 20:00.
The Museum opens from 10:00 to 17:45.
The Holy Grotto, from 10:30 to 17:00.
The information office located near the Monastery is open from 09:00 to 18:30.
TICKETS
The ticket costs €18 per person and allows you to visit the Throne of the Virgin, the Open Air Museum (with audio guide), the audiovisual room “Montserrat Portes Endins” and the Museum of Montserrat.
If you also want to attend the songs of the “Escolania” boys’ choir (Monday to Friday only), the total cost is €25.
You can buy the ticket through this link.
Alternatively, you can purchase cumulative packages that include transportation, organized tours and trips with lunch included. Book your excursion from here.