Montserrat Monastery Day Trip from Barcelona

The day begins in Barcelona, from where you’ll travel by air-conditioned coach to the mountain of Montserrat. After a journey of approximately one hour, you’ll board the rack railway to complete the ascent whilst taking in the scenery and the distinctive rock spires that give the massif its name.

Upon arrival at the monastery, you’ll take a guided tour to learn about the history and architectural style of the sanctuary. Today, Montserrat continues to be home to a community of Benedictine monks and remains one of Catalonia’s leading spiritual and cultural centres.

The tour includes priority access to the statue of the Virgin of Montserrat, popularly known as La Moreneta. You’ll also visit the audiovisual centre, sample traditional local liqueurs and have free time to explore the basilica, browse the market selling local produce or enjoy the views of the mountain.

You can round off the experience with the video mapping show, an immersive projection presented in the basilica to mark Montserrat’s millennium. The show combines art, imagery, light, music and technology to offer a sensory exploration of the monastery’s history, spirituality and heritage.

The third option includes access to a performance by the Escolanía de Montserrat, one of Europe’s oldest children’s choirs. Hearing their voices inside the basilica makes for a particularly moving moment during the visit, although performances are subject to the liturgical calendar, school holidays and the choir’s tour schedule.