Montserrat has a distinctive sawtooth shape and means "serrated mountain" in Catalan. The Black Madonna statue, one of the most venerated icons in Europe, is housed in the famous Basilica of Montserrat, which is a major attraction.
The Benedictine monastery of Montserrat, which dates back to the 11th century, has played an essential role in the religious and cultural life of Catalonia.
The Montserrat Boys' Choir is renowned for performing traditional Catalan and Gregorian music. Since its establishment in the 14th century, the choir has performed for several distinguished personalities, including Pope Benedict XVI and the King and Queen.
It's recommended to visit Montserrat during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the number of tourists is relatively low.
There are several curated and guided tours available for Montserrat from Barcelona. You can take the Barcelona Highlights Morning Tour with Montserrat Abbey, the Montserrat Afternoon Tour with Cog Wheel Train Ride, the Guided Montserrat Tour with Monastery Visit, and more. You can also go for a combo tour that includes Montserrat and Sitges Full Day Trip.
Montserrat is accessible by car, train, or bus from Barcelona. Additionally, you can opt for the cable car or rack railway, which departs from the Montserrat Monastery.
Located around 41 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Barcelona, the distance and travel duration to Montserrat may differ based on the chosen mode of transport.
Some must-visit attractions in Montserrat include the Basilica of Montserrat which houses the Black Madonna statue, Montserrat Monastery which is home to Benedictine monks, the Museum of Montserrat which houses extensive artwork by famous artists like Picasso and Dali, Natural Park of Montserrat which offers picturesque hiking trails, Santa Cova Chapel where the statue of Black Madonna was discovered and Funicular de Sant Joan which offers a panoramic view of the stunning landscape.
Montserrat provides a multitude of hiking trails that offer magnificent vistas of the mountains and valleys. The Camino de los Monjes is the most preferred trail among visitors.
Since Montserrat is a religious destination, visitors are required to dress modestly and respectfully. Outfits such as shorts, mini-skirts, and tank tops are not permitted within the Basilica.