Montserrat

The Montserrat massif holds a special place in the hearts of Catalans: it is a pilgrimage site and a symbol of Catalan culture and identity. The fact that the Abbey of Montserrat is surrounded by a unique landscape of rocks and caves makes it an even more remarkable place to visit. All of this is watched over by the Catalan Black Madonna, La Moreneta, who stands in the basilica of Montserrat, protecting the Catalan people.

What to See and Do in Montserrat

Montserrat offers something for everyone: nature, spirituality, peace, and culture. There are also fascinating buildings to visit, such as the monastery and the basilica where La Moreneta resides. You can also enjoy breathtaking views and the fresh mountain air. Even if you’ve visited before, there are plenty of ways to spend your day and always discover something new.

Buy your tickets online in advance

Monastery of Montserrat

The Benedictine monastery and the basilica of Montserrat form the heart of what is known as the Abadia de Montserrat, located at an altitude of 720 meters on the eastern side of the Montserrat mountain.

The Monastery of Montserrat has been an important pilgrimage site and major attraction for centuries. Many visitors come to venerate Catalonia’s Black Madonna, La Moreneta.

She is placed in a special spot within the basilica and can be touched and kissed by anyone who wishes to do so.

Also special to experience are the pastoral services, which take place several times a day. In particular, the boys’ choir that sings the Salve and the Virolai in the afternoon draws a large audience.

Architecture at the Abadia de Montserrat

When visiting the Abadia de Montserrat, make sure to also admire its beautiful architecture. For instance, Plaça de Santa Maria, designed by the architect Puig i Cadafalch, is a stunning square to stroll through. The 16th-century basilica is a remarkable example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Montserrat Museum

Art lovers will enjoy the Montserrat Museum, which houses works by El Greco, Caravaggio, Monet, Rusiñol, Ramon Casas, Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Degas, Tàpies, Gargallo, and many other artists. The museum also includes iconography of Our Lady of Montserrat.

Montserrat Audiovisual Space

In the Espai Audiovisual Montserrat, you can learn all about the origins and history of Montserrat through videos and displays.

Rack Railways in Montserrat

During your visit, you can take advantage of one of the two funicular railways or cable cars to explore the surrounding area. You can choose between the Funicular de Sant Joan and the Funicular de la Santa Cova. Tickets are available on-site and can be purchased as round-trip or one-way, in case you prefer to hike back down.

• Funicular de Sant Joan: This funicular takes you to the top of the Sant Joan mountain and offers breathtaking views over the Montserrat Monastery and its surroundings. It’s also a great starting point if you’re planning to hike in the mountains. The station is located opposite the Espai Audiovisual.
• Funicular de la Santa Cova: This is the easiest way to reach the Santa Cova (Holy Cave), the site where La Moreneta was found. While there’s also a walking trail leading to the cave, the funicular is much faster and more comfortable—especially convenient for those with mobility issues or families with young children. The funicular station is next to that of the Cremallera train. Once at the Santa Cova, you can also visit a small exhibition about the legend of the cave and the history of the rack railways.

On the slopes of Montserrat Mountain, you’ll also find the green Cremallera rack railway and the yellow Aeri de Montserrat cable car—both excellent ways to reach Montserrat from the main train station.eweldige manier om Montserrat te bereiken vanuit het treinstation.

Nature in Montserrat

The extraordinary natural setting of Montserrat, known for its unique rock formations, is a favorite among hikers and nature lovers. The many trails winding through the mountains offer excellent opportunities for walking, hiking, and even trail running, all while enjoying the stunning views and serene landscape.

Nature enthusiasts can follow one of the various routes that lead to the top of the massif and to small, secluded hermitages. Don’t miss the Camí de la Santa Cova, which takes you to the cave where the statue of La Moreneta was discovered.

Also worth visiting are the nearby Coves del Salnitre—a spectacular cave system with over 500 meters of pathways that reveal the mountain’s inner world. Formed over thousands of years by the action of rainwater on conglomerate and limestone, these caves feature striking natural shapes. It’s a magical space where you can truly experience the earth from within.

For adventure seekers, Montserrat is also a paradise: the enormous rock formations that make the area so iconic are ideal for rock climbing and via ferrata routes.

Viewpoints in Montserrat

There are several spots in Montserrat offering breathtaking views of the massif and the surrounding valley, reaching as far as Barcelona. The best viewpoints are found at the mountain peaks, such as Mirador de Sant Miquel and Sant Jeroni.

A ride on Montserrat’s cable car or funicular railways also rewards you with stunning panoramic views, allowing you to fully appreciate this unique mountainous landscape.

Another highlight is the Ramon Llull Monument, a sculptural work made of stone blocks by Josep Maria Subirachs. It’s not only a highly photogenic spot, but also offers spectacular views of the surrounding scenery.

Food in Montserrat

When it comes to food, you won’t go hungry in Montserrat. There are several restaurants where you can enjoy a meal, as well as souvenir shops and even a hotel for those who wish to stay overnight.

Be sure to stop by Bar del Mirador, located at the Mirador dels Apòstols viewpoint. It has a beautiful outdoor terrace with stunning panoramic views.

Montserrat also regularly hosts farmers’ markets where you can buy local products such as honey, mató (a type of fresh cheese), and the famous Montserrat tomatoes.

Montserrat Tickets

The Montserrat mountain is a sacred place for many Catalans and attracts large numbers of visitors. Today, international tourists are required to purchase an entry ticket to access the complex.

Tickets are also needed for entry to the various museums, the basilica, and for using the cable cars and cogwheel railway.

There are plenty of guided tours and activities available in Montserrat—from hot air balloon rides over the mountains to guided hikes.

You can also explore Montserrat with a local guide to learn more about this unique site and all its hidden stories.

Tip: Make sure to book your tickets online in advance.

Buy your tickets online in advance

How to Get to Montserrat from Barcelona

There are several ways to travel from Barcelona to Montserrat. One option is to drive or rent a car and follow the Carretera de Montserrat. The journey itself is quite scenic, with winding roads and steep climbs. Parking near the Montserrat complex costs €5.50 if you stay longer than 30 minutes. The drive takes about one hour from central Barcelona.

Getting to Montserrat by Public Transport

A more relaxed—though slightly longer—option is to use public transportation. You can reach Montserrat by either busor train.

By Bus

Autocars Julià runs daily buses to Montserrat from Plaça dels Països Catalans (next to Sants train station). The bus departs at 9:15 AM and returns from Montserrat at 5:00 PM (6:00 PM from June to September). A round-trip ticket costs €9.40.

By Train

From Barcelona-Plaça Espanya station, take the R5 or R50 train (operated by FGC) towards Monistrol de Montserrat. Trains leave every hour starting at 08:36 AM.

From Monistrol de Montserrat, you can take the green Cremallera cogwheel train up the mountain.
Alternatively, you can take the R5 and get off at Aeri de Montserrat station to take the Aeri cable car up. A one-way train ticket costs €5.25.

👉 Check here for more details on train travel in Barcelona.

Cremallera de Montserrat

The Cremallera is a cogwheel train that connects Monistrol de Montserrat to the monastery. As it climbs more than 600 meters, it offers panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding valleys.

The journey takes around 15 minutes, with trains departing every 20 minutes. There are also 900 free parking spaces available at Monistrol station, making it ideal if you prefer to drive halfway and take the train for the final ascent.

A one-way train ticket costs €6.90 one-way and return €11.50.

Aeri de Montserrat (Cable Car)

The Aeri de Montserrat is a cable car that departs from Aeri de Montserrat train station and reaches the monastery in just a few minutes. Operating since 1930, it remains the fastest and most scenic way to access Montserrat.

The bright yellow cable cars provide breathtaking views over the dramatic rock formations and lush landscape. The cable car departs every 15 minutes. A one-way train ticket costs €8.60 one-way and return €13.

Free parking is available at the Aeri train station.