Montserrat Monastery + Black Madonna Access & Audio Guide

Visit one of Catalonia’s most sacred landmarks at your own pace, with timed access to the Black Madonna and an audio guide in eight languages for an immersive experience.

Getting started

Arrive at the Montserrat Tourist Office and present your tickets to get them validated. Keep in mind that you’ll need to pass through any security checks in place and present your ID to get your tickets verified.

What to expect

Montserrat Monastery

A spiritual mountaintop retreat, the Montserrat Monastery is known for the sacred Black Madonna and its dramatic mountain setting.

Features

• Basilica of Montserrat: The primary structure within the monastery, the basilica is home to the famous Black Madonna.

• Black Madonna: Also known as the La Moreneta, this is a 12th-century sacred statue and the patron saint of Catalonia. This wooden statue draws thousands of pilgrims to the monastery each year.

• Museum of Montserrat: The museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and home to key pieces by some of the world’s best artists, including El Greco, Monet, Caravaggio, and Picasso.

Upgrades

• Escolania Choir: The Escolania Choir is one of the oldest in Europe which accompanies religious ceremonies and communal prayers in the basilica. It’s one of the monastery’s key highlights.

• Rack railway ride: Looking for a convenient way to reach the monastery? You can upgrade your experience to enjoy a scenic rack railway ride that takes you right up to the monastery.

Know before you go

What to bring

• Carry a valid ID or passport to get your tickets validated.

• Wear a pair of comfortable and grippy walking shoes to enjoy this experience without breaking a sweat.

• Bring your smartphone fully charged & your best earphones to make the most of the audio guide.

• Carry adequate cash to buy food and other souvenirs.

What’s not allowed

• Men and women must wear clothes that cover their knees and shoulders.

• Entering the monastery in flip-flops is prohibited.

• Flash photography, tripods & selfie sticks are prohibited inside the basilica.

• Photography is also prohibited during services at the monastery.

• Entering the basilica during acts of worship is prohibited, unless you’re taking part in them.

Accessibility

• The basilica is accessible to visitors with limited mobility; however, the mountainous terrain outside may be challenging.

Additional information

• The time slot you choose is for access to the Black Madonna. You must factor in your commute time from Barcelona and the uphill walk. Plan and catch a train at least 1.5 hours before your reserved time.

• You can explore the rest of the monastery at your own pace.

• When choosing your slot to visit the Black Madonna, factor in your commute time from Barcelona and the uphill walk to the monastery.

• Plan and catch a train at least 1.5 hours before your reserved time to ensure a smooth visit.

• The Tabernacle of Our Lady is closed during services to ensure silence for those praying.

• The details to download your audio guide will be sent once you book your tickets.

• From Monday to Friday, between 12:15pm and 1:15pm, access to the Basilica is reserved for guests with Boys' Choir (Escolania) tickets.

• There’s a restaurant on site - you can buy food at your own cost.

• Mass at the Basilica takes place Monday to Saturday at 11am and 9.30am on all holidays, including Sundays.

• Choir performance times may vary as per special religious celebrations and the school calendar.

• Note that last-minute time changes may occur without prior notice.