From Barcelona: Montserrat Monastery & Black Madonna With Train Tickets & Audio Guide

Enjoy a seamless cultural journey from Barcelona to Montserrat with transportation, access to the sacred Black Madonna, and an audio guide that lets you explore at your own pace.

Getting started

Start your journey at FGC Plaça Espanya in Barcelona, where your tickets will be validated. Then, board the R5 line using the train ticket included in your pass. On arrival at Monistrol de Montserrat, switch to the rack railway for a stunning uphill ride to the monastery.

What to expect

Montserrat Monastery

An iconic mountaintop sanctuary, the monastery is revered for its religious significance, breathtaking views, and the statue of the Black Madonna.

Features

• Black Madonna: Carved in poplar wood back in the 12th century, the Black Madonna is the monastery’s most sought-after attraction.

• Basilica of Montserrat: The basilica is the spiritual heart of the monastery, revered for its intricate architecture and almost breathtaking acoustics.

• Museum of Montserrat: Home to more than 1,300 works across six curated collections, the museum is home to artistic wonders by the likes of Monet, Picasso, and Caravaggio.

• Train & rack railway: The train ticket from the Plaça Espanya station in Barcelona, and the pass to the rack railway onwards from Montserrat to the monastery add to this experience’s convenience.

• Audio guide: A multilingual audio guide in eight different languages ensures you can immerse yourself in the monastery’s wonders and wander through it at your own pace.

Upgrades

• Escolania de Montserrat Choir Performance: Composed of around 50 boys, the choir’s voice within the basilica’s solemn walls adds a transcendent quality to your visit. This is a worthy upgrade!

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.

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

• Most areas of the monastery are wheelchair accessible.

• The Black Madonna is not accessible to wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

• The train and rack railway are accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.

Additional information

• The ticket office at FGC Plaça Espanya is open from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You must exchange your ticket at this office before starting the journey.

• The time slot you select while booking your ticket is for access to the Black Madonna.

• The first train from Barcelona is at 8:36am, so if you book a time slot before 10am (factoring in a 1.5-hour commute), you will need to arrange alternate means of transportation to the monastery.

• The Boys' choir will not sing from 25 June to 20 August, on 29 August, from 1-3 September, 2, 3, and 6 October, and on 24 November.

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

• When choosing your slot for entry to 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.

• 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.

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