Montserrat is not only a monastery and a sanctuary; it is also a spectacular site from a geological point of view, as well as an important cultural centre. The Sanctuary boasts a wealth of artistic, historic and natural heritage. It is a true Open Air Museum.
HOW TO GET IT from Barcelona
By car, you can get to the Monastery, and then park up for 6,50€. The other option is to leave the car in Monistrol and then you can take one of 3 options to get up here. Montserrat is very close to Cardona you can visit in the same day actually.
By train, you take the train on Pl. Espanya, Manresa dirección, and then go down on Aeri if you want to take the Aeri of Montserrat. Or go down on Monistrol if you choose the Cremallera (train), in any case, the ticket is 12€ per person. There is a train each hour at 9.30, 10,30 ect.
ONCE HERE
Once arrived you have 2 options: The Aeri (cable car) or the Cremallera (train), I really suggest to you the first one because is the better one for photo and view. The a/r cable car ticket costs 11€ and you can buy the ticket here or previously online on this page, (the last trip is at 19 and 10min frequency).
Once arrived on top, in front of the Monastery you can take the Funicular de Sant
TREKKING
There are so many options here, impossible to visit in one day everything, so pick up the one close to your daily training. I chose a 13km route, starting from the Monastery San Jeroni hermit direction, then Montserrat balcony, and for finish the Sant Miquel cross. Check the Wikiloc page for all the routes available, or go to the adventure.
For whatever route you will need: Sunglasses, suncream protection, and water for the trip. I suggest you bring with you sandwiches and fruit. If you want you can sleep in the monestary area: Alberg Abat Oliba, Apartamentos Montserrat Abat Marcet, Hotel Abat Cisneros Montserrat.
WHAT TO DO
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Escolania (Boys’ Choir) Montserrat is home to one of the oldest boys’ choirs in Europe. Documents testify to the existence of a religious and music school in Montserrat as far back as the 14th century.
Boys’ choir Times:
From Monday to Friday:
13.00h Salve and Virolai
From Monday to Thursday:
18.45h Vespers, Salve Montserratina and Polyphonic Motet
Saturdays:
The Boys’ Choir doesn’t sing
Sundays and religious holidays:
12.00h Salve and Virolai
18.45h Vespers, Salve Montserratina and Polyphonic Motet
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Monastery: This route leads us around the most important monuments and areas in the Sanctuary of Montserrat. No one wishing to discover the very heart of Montserrat should miss this tour, which takes visitors to the basilica and to worship Our Lady, as well as enabling them to discover architectural and sculptural heritage that illustrates Montserrat’s history.
- The Monastery of Santa Cecília is located in one of the loveliest settings of the mountain of Montserrat, and only a five-minute drive from the Sanctuary. Its recently-restored church dates from the 11th century and is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in the region. It is currently hosting the work of one of the most internationally celebrated contemporary artists: Sean Scully. The nave of this Romanesque church dedicated to Santa Cecília, the patron of music, is filled with paintings, colored glass, altarpieces, and frescos.
- Santa Cova (Holy Grotto) a chapel where, according to legend, shepherds found the image of Our Lady. Twisting and turning, this route, with splendid panoramic views, is flanked by monuments symbolising the Mystery of the Rosary.
