Abadia de Montserrat
Abadia de Montserrat
4.5
About
Benedictine monastery with a fantastic view of the surrounding hillside and town.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
8,051 reviews
Excellent
5,864
Very good
1,730
Average
317
Poor
84
Terrible
58
Ellie
54 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Couples
We came to Montserrat on an organised tour. Beautiful setting in the mountains, and well worth paying extra for the funicular to go even higher. Walking around the top was definitely the highlight with stunning views and a lot quieter than around the monastery!
We enjoyed visiting the abbey itself but once is probably enough - not as ornate as many other similar monasteries/churches and more modern than we were expecting (once you know the history you’ll understand why!), and the site in general felt very commercial - almost like a theme park with tons of gift shops, cafes and hotels. Feel like it would keep the sacred sentiment a bit more if it toned down on these things.
We enjoyed visiting the abbey itself but once is probably enough - not as ornate as many other similar monasteries/churches and more modern than we were expecting (once you know the history you’ll understand why!), and the site in general felt very commercial - almost like a theme park with tons of gift shops, cafes and hotels. Feel like it would keep the sacred sentiment a bit more if it toned down on these things.
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James S
Toronto, Canada440 contributions
Sep. 2022
As if there isn’t enough to do in Barcelona itself, it makes a great base for day trips in the surrounding region. One of these is to Abadia de Montserrat or Montserrat Abbey. There are numerous tour options available, or one can simply do it yourself as we did.
Take a metro (subway) to Plaça d'Espanya and then use the regional rail system R5 train to Montserrat. The metro and rail stations are connected by a tunnel, something we did not know then, so there is no need to go up and outside and cross the square, unless you want to see it. The trains depart one level below the subway.
The R5 runs every hour at quarter to the hour. Tickets including the trip up to the Abbey are 24 Euros return. And can be purchased from the vending machines there. They are easy to use and there is usually a helpful staff member to assist.
Be specific though that ticket covers the train there and the cable car up and down to the summit. The wording can be a bit confusing especially if you’re in a hurry. If you don’t want the cable car then you ride one more stop to and purchase tickets on the mountain train that goes up to the Abbey. Both offer spectacular views. We opted to take the train up and the cable car down to maximize the experience. The train trip from Barcelona is just under two hours. There are washrooms on the trains and as of time of writing masks were still required to be worn and this was enforced.
Once at the summit there are several things to do. You can visit the museum, stroll the Abbey grounds, and/or hike or take one of the two funiculars to various outlying spots. All offer spectacular views.
Unless you get there real early expect crowds, the place is popular. If you want to enter the Basilica to see the Black Madonna or hear the choir, expect a long line up or take one of the tours that include this with “skip the line”. Even without these there is more than enough to take up a whole day there, or even a couple of days if you have the time.
There is of course an over priced restaurant, coffee shop and gift shop if needed. There was also a small market set up on the day we were there, selling souvenirs, and local honey and other products.
When your tour is finally done, don’t forget to visit the small café Bar el Rincon at the train station for the cable car station. By this time, you’ve probably earned a cold drink.
Take a metro (subway) to Plaça d'Espanya and then use the regional rail system R5 train to Montserrat. The metro and rail stations are connected by a tunnel, something we did not know then, so there is no need to go up and outside and cross the square, unless you want to see it. The trains depart one level below the subway.
The R5 runs every hour at quarter to the hour. Tickets including the trip up to the Abbey are 24 Euros return. And can be purchased from the vending machines there. They are easy to use and there is usually a helpful staff member to assist.
Be specific though that ticket covers the train there and the cable car up and down to the summit. The wording can be a bit confusing especially if you’re in a hurry. If you don’t want the cable car then you ride one more stop to and purchase tickets on the mountain train that goes up to the Abbey. Both offer spectacular views. We opted to take the train up and the cable car down to maximize the experience. The train trip from Barcelona is just under two hours. There are washrooms on the trains and as of time of writing masks were still required to be worn and this was enforced.
Once at the summit there are several things to do. You can visit the museum, stroll the Abbey grounds, and/or hike or take one of the two funiculars to various outlying spots. All offer spectacular views.
Unless you get there real early expect crowds, the place is popular. If you want to enter the Basilica to see the Black Madonna or hear the choir, expect a long line up or take one of the tours that include this with “skip the line”. Even without these there is more than enough to take up a whole day there, or even a couple of days if you have the time.
There is of course an over priced restaurant, coffee shop and gift shop if needed. There was also a small market set up on the day we were there, selling souvenirs, and local honey and other products.
When your tour is finally done, don’t forget to visit the small café Bar el Rincon at the train station for the cable car station. By this time, you’ve probably earned a cold drink.
Written September 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1234texas
Seabrook, TX2,413 contributions
Oct. 2021
I thought I had reviewed this side trip from Barcelona, but TA says I did not. Here is a quick overview of the stop.
It is about an hour or so from the city and easy to arrange with a number of providers in Barcelona. If you feel you have done all the great sights and stops in the city, this is one to put on your "to do" list. The trip out the the mountain is quite nice and the ride up the mountain is "exciting" in terms of the narrow roads and drop offs. There is a cable car option available. Once on site, the structures are impressive and the inside of the monastery is attractive. We saw the Black Modena from the main floor, but the line to get up to see it was over an hour. Far better use of your time is to visit the regional art museum--it is very good and has some outstanding pieces of art. There are some nice places to eat and drink on site. Expect big crowds and parking if you drive up the mountain is almost impossible. The vista views are excellent.
Bottom line: GO!
It is about an hour or so from the city and easy to arrange with a number of providers in Barcelona. If you feel you have done all the great sights and stops in the city, this is one to put on your "to do" list. The trip out the the mountain is quite nice and the ride up the mountain is "exciting" in terms of the narrow roads and drop offs. There is a cable car option available. Once on site, the structures are impressive and the inside of the monastery is attractive. We saw the Black Modena from the main floor, but the line to get up to see it was over an hour. Far better use of your time is to visit the regional art museum--it is very good and has some outstanding pieces of art. There are some nice places to eat and drink on site. Expect big crowds and parking if you drive up the mountain is almost impossible. The vista views are excellent.
Bottom line: GO!
Written September 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jonathan S
29 contributions
Sep. 2022 • Solo
Super worth it!
And ultra easy to get to. DONT buy a package online and there is no need for a guide.
The main train station in Barcelona sells tickets to Serrat that includes the cable car. Takes an hour as goes direct. Easy!
Great walking routes for all abilities. Great access and views whatever ability you are. Want a challenge, there’s big walks. Want to walk a few meters and have a view, sorted!
Really good day out and no a hassle option!
And ultra easy to get to. DONT buy a package online and there is no need for a guide.
The main train station in Barcelona sells tickets to Serrat that includes the cable car. Takes an hour as goes direct. Easy!
Great walking routes for all abilities. Great access and views whatever ability you are. Want a challenge, there’s big walks. Want to walk a few meters and have a view, sorted!
Really good day out and no a hassle option!
Written September 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
B1714D
Belgrade, Serbia16,212 contributions
Aug. 2022
Well, you're probably staying in one of hundreds of hotels north or south from Barcelona. Don't be lazy just sipping your drink - two outstanding excursions await you: this to Montserrat and the Cadaques/Figueres one. Rent a car, it's very cheap and roads are perfect.
Montserrat was around hour and a half drive from our lodging in Santa Susanna (around an hour from Barcelona).
The Montserrat Abbey was built by Benedictine monks in 11 cent, and from then is the main pilgrimage site in Catalonia.
According to a legend people saw a light out from a cave in the mountains and found a statue of Virgin Mary there. Carrying it to the village it burst to flames, so they brought it back to the cave and built a church on spot for her.
The statue is now the famous Black Madonna which is enshrined in the Basilica - Catalonia patron saint. The Basilica is truly majestic inside.
Apart from the Abbey, the whole area around boost with natural beauty, great hiking trails, fabulous view points....so it's a great day out from your hotel.
Montserrat was around hour and a half drive from our lodging in Santa Susanna (around an hour from Barcelona).
The Montserrat Abbey was built by Benedictine monks in 11 cent, and from then is the main pilgrimage site in Catalonia.
According to a legend people saw a light out from a cave in the mountains and found a statue of Virgin Mary there. Carrying it to the village it burst to flames, so they brought it back to the cave and built a church on spot for her.
The statue is now the famous Black Madonna which is enshrined in the Basilica - Catalonia patron saint. The Basilica is truly majestic inside.
Apart from the Abbey, the whole area around boost with natural beauty, great hiking trails, fabulous view points....so it's a great day out from your hotel.
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dale6284
Calgary, Canada366 contributions
Aug. 2022
This 1000 year old abbey is set on beautiful Monserrat. We drove ourselves and toured around on our own. It was a wonderful day. The abbey is situated in a stunning setting. Be sure to go inside the cathedral. Very majestic! And take some time to walk the trails on the mountain.
Written September 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LSQRD1
Kent, OH704 contributions
Jun. 2022
This is an easy and rewarding day trip from Barcelona. Do a little reading in advance to help you plan your day. After the train from Barcelona, we opted for the aerial tram (which was awesome). After a quick snack, we took both of the funiculars that leave from the abbey. These are not the same one that you take up from the train station but rather two that take your further up or further down to get to trails. At the end of each are some nice hiking trails that lead to chapels and stunning views.
Written July 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DJ Vail
Phoenix, MD8 contributions
Jul. 2022
If you wanna visit Montserrat and you don't wanna be stuck with someone else's time schedule - you can do it! All by yourself! Just take the R5 Metro train from the Espanya station (it's a main "intersection" of metro lines L1 & L3) out to the mountain - and you can then take a cable car up to the monastery or take a train. That way, you can have as much or as little time as you want hiking the trails, seeing the sites, praying in the mass or just checking out the views! Well worth the visit.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Freddy_on_trips
Montreal, Canada2,835 contributions
May 2022
We took a bus tour to visit Montserrat which is located around 1 hour away from Barcelona. The views are absolutely stunning and there are many things to do. You could walk up to the cross on the hill, take a cable car to go higher up, go to a restaurant and/or visit a souvenir store where you can do some liquor tasting (4 tastings for 3 euros). There is a line to visit the Virgin of Montserrat on the right side of the church entrance which is different from line to enter it. Try matching your visit when there is a boys choir performing as it is simply grandiose.
Overall, we enjoyed it a lot and definitely recommend the visit.
Overall, we enjoyed it a lot and definitely recommend the visit.
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Teithiwr
South Wales195 contributions
Apr. 2022 • Couples
We took the train from Barcelona (Pl. Espanya, where there are signs to guide you to the dedicated ticket booth). Train was busy but not packed and took an hour to Montserrat town. We opted for the rack railway to the Abbey as we thought the cable car might be busy (you need to decide which you're going to take when you buy your train ticket) and we were right. The views from the train up the mountain were spectacular. Sit on the left hand side going up.
The Abbey is in a stunning position and the views of the surrounding area are wonderfully far reaching. The main buildings themselves don't have a huge amount of architectural merit, but they are pretty big and in that setting they stand out. I thought the Basilica to be the most beautiful interior I have ever seen in a church. It was fairly dark inside when we entered and the whole place seemed to sparkle and shine in the half light. After the boys' choir they switched on the main lights and you could certainly tell the difference.
The funicular to the summit is a must for even more spectacular views and some long walks if that's your thing.
Food options: the self-service eatery looked busy and unappetising, but the buffet restaurant further down was not bad (about €17 per head I think)
Gift shops: you won't be stuck for choice; a huge selection of stuff from the usual tat to some good local food and drink and, of course, religious paraphernalia.
It was a long day out, but travelling independently meant we could stay as long as we wanted. It was very busy in the morning, but by 3pm the crowds had pretty much disappeared.
If you have a day to spare and even if you don't, look no further than this beautiful Abbey and its awesome location.
The Abbey is in a stunning position and the views of the surrounding area are wonderfully far reaching. The main buildings themselves don't have a huge amount of architectural merit, but they are pretty big and in that setting they stand out. I thought the Basilica to be the most beautiful interior I have ever seen in a church. It was fairly dark inside when we entered and the whole place seemed to sparkle and shine in the half light. After the boys' choir they switched on the main lights and you could certainly tell the difference.
The funicular to the summit is a must for even more spectacular views and some long walks if that's your thing.
Food options: the self-service eatery looked busy and unappetising, but the buffet restaurant further down was not bad (about €17 per head I think)
Gift shops: you won't be stuck for choice; a huge selection of stuff from the usual tat to some good local food and drink and, of course, religious paraphernalia.
It was a long day out, but travelling independently meant we could stay as long as we wanted. It was very busy in the morning, but by 3pm the crowds had pretty much disappeared.
If you have a day to spare and even if you don't, look no further than this beautiful Abbey and its awesome location.
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Is there an entrance fee? Is it open 18th April 2022? Gracias
Lawrence V
486 contributions
There is an entrance fee, not sure about when it is open
JordiGiladell
L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain820 contributions
En la Abadía basílica ¿ Esta permitido hacer fotos ?
Montserrat
14 contributions
Fotos sin flash
Patricia K
1 contribution
Do you have to pay to visit basilica of Sangrada family
Paul
Dubai, United Arab Emirates561 contributions
For tours you must pay indeed. If you go without a guide I am not sure anymore. Maybe you can find it online.
Александра Балашова
Artybash, Russia7 contributions
Здравствуйте! Подскажите, как можно попасть на выступление хора?
Mikan999
Bristol, UK515 contributions
The choir sings every day at 13:00 in the Basilica. It is very crowded, you need to get there early. They shut the doors 10 mins before the choir starts. The performance lasts about ten minutes.
mairiannetaylor
Elgin, UK47 contributions
Hi, has anyone used busplana from salou? This is our 5th time to salou and never been to the Montserrat, is there any special clothing requirements inside the monastery? Thanks
Debbie S
Orinda, CA104 contributions
No one was checking people at the door, as they do at the Vatican. However, I’s sure respectful dress as described above is appreciated. What I found disrespectful was the number of people taking selfies with the black Madonna.
Paul S
Wallington, UK6 contributions
What's the road access and parking like up there? I'm thinking of taking my bike too.
Malkoppie
South Africa1,584 contributions
It is a stunning road! We went in our rental car at about 8:30 am on a Friday morning in May. It was empty. Plenty of parking. In fact about 3 or 4 other cars only when we got there. Try to beat the crowds who arrive at 9:00 by cable car and public transport. When we got back at about 15:00 after climbing the mountain, the parking was full but not crazy cramped like the horror stories I read and believed. In fact, the whole experience was an absolute breeze. Don't believe only the negative reviews. Of course I have no idea about parking a bicycle, but the info office was super helpful. I am sure they would answer any questions if you phoned or sent an email. A motor cycle would be perfectly fine too. You would love the road if you have a motor cycle and go really early. Enjoy it. My husband LOVED the driving experience.
Srividya M
Chennai (Madras), India6 contributions
looking for recommendations for Montserrat and wine tours . I have been able to find tours only doing either one of them.
surfer02_10
Cape May County, NJ294 contributions
Montserrat is absolutely beautiful. You must plan to spend several hours here, as there are other small chapels and views to enjoy. Please bring good walking shoes and an extra bottle of water or two. There are food vendors and a restaurant and bathrooms. Lots of walking up and down small hills. Enjoy.
pluszkaaa
Dublin, Ireland
Is a bus from Julia company going to the monastery? Or still need to take cable car or funicular? Thanks:)
yfylou
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia6,502 contributions
We went up by Montserrat rack railway and came down by our coach bus. Either you can go up or down by Rack Railway or Funicular Sant Joan or Cable Car.
Wendy Z
Barcelona, Spain1 contribution
Hola, queremos visitar Monserrat y deseo quedarme un día.
En q hotel me puedo quedar?
Montserrat
14 contributions
Hotel hay solamente uno: Abad Cisneros. Es de tipo medio (creo que 3 estrellas). El desayuno es un bufet muy completo, tienen menú y carta con productos de proximidad y de calidad, con opciones para intolerancias alimenticias. El servicio es muy atento. Está totalment adaptado arquitectónicamente.
Fatima_R_Bete
Sorocaba, SP30 contributions
Olá. Eu gostaria de mais informações sobre o estacionamento gratuito, onde fica? O ticket do funicular é que tem o estacionamento incluso? E sobre o coro dos meninos você sabe se é necessário comprar ingresso? Grata.
Mario C
Guaruja, SP499 contributions
O Coro dos meninos é gratuito. O estacionamento não sei pois fui de trem.
