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Montserrat

Landmark

Montserrat

  • Barcelona
  • 2–3 hours
  • 1 experience to book

Benedictine monastery 720 m up a jagged massif, home of the Black Madonna and one of Europe's oldest boys' choirs.

Things to do at Montserrat

Guided tours

About Montserrat

The serrated ridge of Montserrat rises about 50 km north-west of Barcelona, and its Benedictine monastery, founded in 1025, has drawn pilgrims for nearly a thousand years.

The basilica holds La Moreneta, a Romanesque wooden Virgin darkened over the centuries, reached by a stair behind the altar. On most weekdays the Escolania boys' choir sings in the basilica at 13:00. Outside, paths and funiculars climb higher among the rock towers, with views that reach the Pyrenees on clear days.

Know before you go

  • Often several degrees cooler than Barcelona; bring a layer
  • The Black Madonna queue can be long at weekends
  • Dress respectfully in the basilica
  • Paths are steep; wear proper shoes