Montserrat Afternoon Tour
Venture out on this half-day tour from Barcelona to Montserrat, where you will visit the renowned Royal Basilica and enjoy some of Spain's most inspiring views.
Visit the jagged and serrated mountain of Montserrat and its Benedictine Monastery on this afternoon tour. After departing from Barcelona, you will drive through the picturesque countryside dotted with little villages during the one-hour drive to the incomparable setting of the mountain of Montserrat. Rising majestically to 4,051 feet, the peaks of Montserrat can be seen long before you arrive. The mountain's unique serrated formations give it its name, derived from the Catalan words Mont (mountain) and Serrat (serrated). Due to its rich cultural and natural significance, Montserrat's beautiful landscape was declared a National Park in 1987 to protect its heritage. Upon arrival, you will board a cog railway to make the scenic 15-minute climb to the basilica. The rail follows the dramatic shape of the mountain, offering incredible views of the valley and the peaks. At the upper station, you will join your guide as you climb several steps to reach the plaza of the Royal Basilica of Montserrat. Its cliff-side location and Neo-Romanesque architecture is a scenic wonder, but it is perhaps the famous 12th-century Romanesque carving of Virgen Moreneta, the Black Virgin, that draws so many to this mountain location. According to legend, the Black Madonna and Child were discovered in the Santa Cova cave, and to this day, the woodcarving remains housed in the Church of the monastery. The Royal Basilica has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain for hundreds of years. A community of 80 monks currently resides at the monastery, following the Rule of Saint Benedict. Follow your guide through the monastery grounds and learn about its Gothic and Renaissance architectural details. After an orientation tour of the grounds, you will have free time to explore the sites that interest you the most. At the appointed time, you will meet your transportation and begin the drive back to Barcelona. Please Note: This tour is narrated in both English and Spanish.
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- Operated by
- Shore Excursions Group
- An approximately 10 to 20-minute taxi (not included, approximately 15 EUR each way) is required to reach your departure location.
- As you will be visiting a religious or memorial site, shoulders and knees must be covered. Sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended. Some guests may appreciate a light waterproof jacket due to the mountainous climate in Montserrat.
- Guests must be able to walk on paved, as well as cobblestone surfaces. There are steps required to enter several of the sites, including the Basilica Plaza, and to view the Virgin, as well as steep curbs in some areas.
- Food & beverages: Tastings of 4 typical liquors of Montserrat are included.
Excursion purchases are fully refundable outside of 14 days prior to the tour date. Beginning on the 14th day prior to the tour date, excursion purchases are non-refundable.