Visiting Montserrat Monastery
Today, Montserrat has been modernised to continue attending to the needs to pilgrims one thousand years after it was originally founded.
Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey
Santa Maria de Montserrat is a minor basilica of the Order of Saint Benedict and is open to the public and FREE to visit. The current Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey is dates from 1811 with the 1901 facade.
To get to the abbey you first pass through some stone arches in a modern building dating from 1968. This modern building has a bell tower but is not actually the abbey but part of the monastery.
When you pass through this modern building to the right (when facing the abbey facade) under the arches you may see a short queue of people and wonder what they are queueing for. From here there is a passage that runs down the inside of the abbey and behind the alter where you can touch the sacred Black Madonna Statue. There is a small charge of a few euros to visit the statue.
The Black Madonna, referred to 'The Virgin of Montserrat' or 'La Moreneta' or 'The image of Montserrat' sits behind a sheet of glass. However, one of her hands that is holding a sphere (which symbolises the universe) is not behind the glass. It is tradition for you to kiss or touch the Virgin's hand whilst opening out your other hand to Jesus.
Upon Exiting the Abbey in the small square you will see an arch to the left of the abbey facade that leads into a passage cut in the rock called The Ave Maria Path (Cami de l'Ave Maria). This passage is where pilgrims, tourists and worshipers can place a candle and say a silent prayer. There are thousands of candles and some floral tributes.
Montserrat Main square - Plaza Santa Maria de Montserrat
In the Main square in front of the modern facade to the right are some arches with white statues. These offer great views of the Mountain.
To the left are some gothic arches and steps to a small garden in front. This is the cloister of the monastery and is the work of the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. On the walls of the cloister, the visitor can see old pieces, some from the 10th century. The cloister cannot be visited inside but you can walk up the steps and view the small garden.
Montserrat Monastery Museum
The Montserrat Museum is accessed from the Main square of the Monastery and located in a building from 1963 with modern additions, the last being 2004. The museum contains a large collection of paintings and artefacts of a religious theme.
The adult ticket price for Montserrat Museum is 8 euros.
Tourist Information in Montserrat
Upon leaving the Montserrat cremallera station there are stairs ascending to the main square. In the building on the corner with the stairs is the tourist information office where you can find maps of the monastery and the most popular walking routes from the Monastery.
In Plaza Abat Oliba is the Mosos d'Esquadra police station and first aid centre.
You will also find a the yellow Correos post box (next to the police station) where you can post a postcard from Montserrat Monastery. Purchase the postcard and stamp in the gift shop next to the buffet restaurant.
Montserrat Choir
Montserrat is home to one of the oldest boys choirs in Europe dating from the 14th Century and accompanies religious ceremonies and communal prayers in the Santa Maria abbey.
Montserrat Boys choir Times:
- Monday to Friday: 13.00h Salve and Virolai
- Monday to Thursday: 18.45h Vespers, Salve Montserratina and Polyphonic Motet
- Saturdays: The Boys Choir does not sing
- Sundays and religious holidays: 12.00h Salve and Virolai, 18.45h Vespers, Salve Montserratina and Polyphonic Motet
What else to do and see in Montserrat
Visiting the Monastery, Museum and exploring the squares takes about half a day. Below are some walking routes in Montserrat that take half a day, or if you only spend an hour in the Monastery can be done in the same day.
- Santa Cova walk Takes about two to three hours to complete and is an EASY level walk.
- Easy Montserrat Walk is a EASY-MEDIUM level walk and takes about 4-5 hours.
- Sant Jeroni from Montserrat Monastery Is a MEDIUM walk to the sant Jeroni Summit I would allow 5-6 hours to complete this route.
What to take with you for Montserrat Monastery
If just visiting the monastery area then be aware that this is the religious centre of Catalunya so there is a dress code to enter the basilica. No see through clothes, beachwear, bikinis. Skirts must be at least mid thigh length. Shorts are permitted but not hot pants. You will be asked to remove your hat when you enter the basilica.
In the winter months it can get a little windy at the monastery. If you are visiting Montserrat for a hiking activity and also plan to visit the basilica, pack appropriate clothes that you can put on over your sports wear if you do not meet the dress code for the Abbey.
If you visit the Museum it is worth having headphones for the audio guide.
Day Trip Rucksack
Small 10L day trip and museums rucksack
Convertible Trousers
Lightweight convertible trousers that zip down to shorts
Mid layer Top
Light weight cotton quick dry T-shirt
Trail shoes
Lightweight comfortable trail shoes
Summer socks
Ankle spring/summer socks
Fleece jacket or Jersey
Light weight warm fleece
Base layer long sleve
Thermal long sleve skin tight top
In Ear Headphones
With 3.5mm jack. For running and for museum visits that have an audio guide. Museums don't provide headphones since Covid.
Summary of Prices
€ 24.00
FREE
€ 18.80
FREE
See FGC Website for group and family tickets
Monastery is Free to visit. Small fee of 2 Euros to visit the Black Madona Statue.
Getting to Montserrat Monastery
Address: Monestir de Montserrat, Monistrol de Montserrat. 08199
See the Getting to Section for Montserrat and compare prices or consider a Guided tour by coach.
