Montserrat is the most representative mountain in Catalonia and thanks to its incredible characteristics it has become a Catalan symbol. How many times have you seen her from the car going anywhere?
Its peculiar morphology, its naturalness and its ancient traditions make it an incomparable reference, a place that welcomes millions of visitors from all over the world year after year.
Here you will find how to get there, what to do and where to eat in Montserrat.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Montserrat is only half an hour from Barcelona. You can get there by car, train or bus. From Plaça Espanya station, in Barcelona, or from other stations on the FGC Llobregat-Anoia line, you can take any R5 train to Manresa. Then, get off at Monistrol de Montserrat station and take the rack railway or cable car to the sanctuary.
WHAT TICKET SHOULD I GET?
There are many easy options to get to Montserrat by train with combined tickets: Montserrat Expres, Tot Montserrat and Trans Montserrat.
1) MONTSERRAT EXPRES. Transport and audio guide (€ 35.65)
Montserrat Express is a combined ticket that includes all the transport needed to enjoy your experience in Montserrat. The Montserrat express combined ticket includes:
– Round trip ticket by FGC train to Monistrol train station Link (links to Montserrat train line)
– Round trip ticket for the Montserrat rack railway
– Welcome pack with: Mp3 with an audio guide to visit the surroundings of the Monastery, a bag of carquinyolis (will be delivered at the Montserrat information desk), a tasting of local liqueurs and a package of discounts for different services.
2) TOT MONTSERRAT: A complete experience of Montserrat (€ 50.95)
All of Montserrat offers the possibility of arriving in Montserrat by public transport from almost all the cities in the metropolitan area of Barcelona connected to the FGC Llobregat – Anoia railway line. Visit the places of Montserrat with the Montserrat funicular and live an incredible culinary and cultural experience!
The Tot Montserrat combined ticket includes:
– Barcelona metro ticket
– Round trip ticket by FGC train to Monistrol train station Link (links to the Montserrat line)
– Round trip ticket for the Montserrat rack railway
– Round trip ticket for the Sant Joan funicular*
– Menu in the self-service restaurant of Montserrat
– Entrance to the Montserrat Museum
– Audiovisual space ticket
* Santa Cova included when in service
3) TRANS MONTSERRAT: 3 in 1: train + rack railway line + funicular (€ 31.60)
Trans Montserrat, a perfect combined ticket that includes all the necessary transport tickets for those who want to visit Montserrat independently and save money
The Trans Montserrat combined ticket includes:
– Travel ticket from any metro station in the Barcelona network
– Return ticket by FGC train to the Monistrol Enllaç train station (links to the Montserrat rack railway line).
WHICH ACTIVITIES CAN BE DONE?
1) Visit the sanctuary
Access to the most important areas and monuments of the Sanctuary of Montserrat. This is the route you have to take if you want to discover the heart of Montserrat. It will take you to the basilica where you can venerate the Virgin Mary and you will find past sculptures and architectural remains that will tell you the whole history of Montserrat.
2) Routes and walks
The Montserrat massif is unique and unmatched. Its rounded peaks, called “needles”, are the most characteristic feature of its spectacular mountain range. The highest peak of the mountain of Montserrat is the peak of Sant Jeroni (1236 m), from where you can admire a wonderful view from the Pyrenees to the sea and on clear days you can even see the island of Mallorca. You can find out all the routes and walks here.
Montserrat is a protected National Park, so it is important to stay on the paths created by local authorities to protect local flora and fauna and thus avoid unnecessary conflicts between wildlife and humans.
3) Visit the museum and the interactive exhibition
The Museu de Montserrat, designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch in 1929, has six permanent collections with more than 1,300 pieces from a wide chronological period, as well as temporary exhibitions. You can see El Greco, Caravaggio, Dalí, Miró, Picasso…
The interactive exhibition is based on three fundamental pillars of Montserrat: the mountain, the monastery and the sanctuary. Part of its content focuses on such important aspects as the presence of the Holy Image of the late twelfth century, or the uniqueness of a monastery with more than a thousand years of history, while emphasizing and relevance in the spiritual and social and cultural life of the country.
A més a més, també tens algunes idees per a la teva visita aquí .
In addition, you also have some ideas for your visit here.
WHERE CAN YOU EAT?
Montserrat offers several options for eating and resting a bit:
1) Restaurant Hostal Abat Cisneros
The Hostal Abat Cisneros restaurant is part of the Hostal Abat Cisneros Hotel building. The ceiling of the dining room (space used as a stable in the 16th century) consists of a large stone arch and the walls are made of bare rock. The so-called Saló de Pedra has a capacity for 120 diners, while the Saló Rosa has another 100. Set menu and à la carte services for groups, family parties, weddings and other celebrations.
2) Restaurant Montserrat
The Montserrat Restaurant replaced another, located under the squares of Santa María, which had a spiral staircase and was opened on the ground floor of the Mirador dels Apòstols building in 1976. The building, designed by Father Pere Busquets, offers magnificent panoramic views over the mountains, the Santa Cova and the Vall del Llobregat. This spacious restaurant allows you to enjoy excellent Mediterranean cuisine with family and friends.
3) Other places: buffet, cafeteria…
There are several options in the sanctuary, for all tastes and various budgets.
Montserrat Bufet is located on the second floor of the Mirador dels Apòstols building. The dining rooms enjoy splendid mountain views. This is the ideal place for a quick meal, with a wide variety of Mediterranean and international dishes that offer excellent value for money.
The Cafeteria was completely renovated in 2001, serving a variety of dishes and sandwiches, cakes, drinks, etc.
The Bar located at the square serves sandwiches, cakes, drinks, and more in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
You can also use the picnic area to observe the magnificent mountain views while enjoying an al fresco meal. But remember, whatever you bring with you to the mountains (rubbish, plastic), take it with you. Help us to respect the flora and fauna!
