Montserrat Monastery with Black Madonna Access & Audio Guide

A basilica of reverie

Montserrat comprises the Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary of Montserrat and the Benedictine monastery which for almost 1,000 years has been at the service of pilgrims from all over the world. These pilgrims come to worship the Black Madonna, a Romanesque sculpture dating from the late 12th century featuring delicately carved features. Enjoy timed entry tickets to see the Black Madonna, before you set off to explore the rest of Montserrat.

The rest of the Montserrat complex

With an audio guide, a map, and an informative booklet, you can discover on your own all the most important facets of the monastery's history, not to mention the major sites of the Sanctuary of Montserrat. The Audiovisual Room 'Montserrat Portes Endins' showcases what Montserrat is all about and what it means. The exhibition revolves around three main elements: the mountain, the monastery, and the sanctuary.

The Museum of Montserrat (MDM) is home to one of the country's most important art collections. Containing works by Caravaggio, El Greco, Rusiñol, Casas, Picasso, Dali, Monet, and others, it also has a valuable collection of the Archaeology of the Ancient World with archaeological remains from the Near East (ancient Persia, Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Holy Land). There are also temporary exhibitions in addition to the permanent collection. The MDM was declared a Museum of National Interest in 2006.

Montserrat Boys’ Choir, which serves the sanctuary of Montserrat, is one of the oldest in Europe that accompanies religious ceremonies and communal prayers in the basilica, from Monday to Friday at 1 pm.

Montserrat Monastery with Black Madonna Access & Audio Guide

Discover the Montserrat Monastery on this sightseeing tour that includes access to the Museum of Montserrat and a Gothic basilica, among other landmarks. The tour covers approximately 10 square kilometers in the Catalonian hinterland, offering picturesque views from the monastery's peaks which are over 1,236 meters high. Your experience begins with timed tickets for the Black Madonna statue, ensuring no queues at this revered icon. With an audio guide available in five languages—English, Spanish, French, German, and Catalan—you can explore the basilica leisurely, taking your time to appreciate its Gothic architecture and intricate details. The monastery was founded in 1023 AD and is home to over a thousand works of art by renowned artists like Salvador Dalí, Claude Monet, and El Greco. Additionally, you have the option to upgrade for a performance by Europe's oldest boys' choir, which has been singing at Montserrat since the 12th century. The tour also includes scenic train transfers and a rack-railway ride up to the monastery. This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone seeking spiritual tranquility.

Explore Museum of Montserrat

Your tour stops at the Museum of Montserrat where you can immerse yourself in over 1,000 works of art spanning centuries. Established in 2007, this museum occupies an impressive 4,500 square meters and houses masterpieces by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Claude Monet, and El Greco. Visitors typically spend around two hours exploring the various galleries that showcase not only religious icons but also secular works of art from different periods. The museum's unique collection includes a special audio-visual exhibit detailing the bombing of the monastery during the Spanish Civil War in 1936, providing historical context to its enduring significance. Unlike other museums focused solely on religious artifacts, Montserrat Museum offers a broader perspective on Catalan culture through its diverse and extensive art collection.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Catalonian hinterland with picturesque views
• Timed tickets for Black Madonna statue without queues
• Audio guide in five languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Catalan
• Gothic basilica leisurely exploration including intricate details and artworks
• Museum of Montserrat visit showcasing over 1000 works by renowned artists
• Scenic train transfers plus rack-railway ride to monastery summit
• Special audio-visual exhibit on bombing during Spanish Civil War in 1936
• Option for Europe's oldest boys' choir performance since the 12th century

Perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and spiritual seekers, this guided tour provides an immersive experience through key landmarks. The full-day format allows you to explore the Gothic basilica with its intricate details, visit the Museum of Montserrat featuring over a thousand works by renowned artists, and enjoy scenic train transfers plus a rack-railway ride up to the monastery summit. This tour offers unparalleled access to historical sites and cultural treasures while providing convenience such as timed tickets for the Black Madonna statue.