Montserrat Afternoon Tour & Black Madonna Priority Access
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Discover one of Catalonia's most mystical wonders on this half-day tour. Visit the Virgin Mary, popularly known as La Moreneta, in the Basilica of Montserrat. Walk around the sanctuary and imagine the different ways of life of the monks in this place full of history throughout the centuries. Once the visit is over, take the cogwheel train down, enjoying the spectacular views of the natural surroundings.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Note that the La Escolania children's choir does not perform in the afternoon
Correct dress code is requested to enter the Basilica at Montserrat. It is not permitted to enter with tank tops, strapless shirts, short shorts or sandals
Queues to see the Black Madonna may occur depending on season
Tour operated in both Spanish and English
What To Expect
Leave Barcelona aboard one of our comfortable coaches and enjoy an unforgettable excursion to Montserrat, one of Catalonia's most iconic destinations. Montserrat is world-famous for its rocky landscape, which was declared a National Park in 1987 to protect its cultural and natural heritage.
Abadia De Montserrat
Accompanied by your local guide, you will discover the history of Montserrat Monastery and its unique architecture. Marvel at the harmonious combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles in its basilica and sanctuary. You will learn about the legend that explains the great spiritual importance of the place: the miraculous appearance of an image of the Madonna and Child in one of the caves in the mountain, the Santa Cova. This wood carving, popularly known as La Moreneta, is preserved today in the monastery church. Its characteristic dark colour is due to the oxidation of the varnish over time. Montserrat is also an important centre of spirituality. A community of approximately 80 Benedictine monks currently lives in the monastery, following the Rule of Saint Benedict. In addition to the main monastic complex, the mountain is home to numerous churches and hermitages, some of which are now abandoned, reinforcing the mystical character of the place.
Options
Montserrat & Cog-Wheel Train
This guided tour includes: A guided visit, access to the Black Madonna’s and Basilica, a cog-wheel train ride, a taste of 4 typical liquors and more.
What‘s Included
Entrance to the audio-visual exhibition “Espai Audio visual Montserrat”
Transportation on an air-conditioned coach
Access to the Basilica and the Black Madonna
Cog-wheel train down from Montserrat
Taste of 4 typical liquors of the area
Local Guide
Radio guide system
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,973 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Montserrat is beautiful...
John C,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Montserrat is beautiful and the history of the cathedral makes this an important venture to partake in. Our guide, Ivan, was so wonderful and shared so much great history and insight. We highly recommend this trip.
Comprehensive tour
Ma A,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Lorena was an excellent tour guide, approachable and knowledgeable. Even if it was chaotic at first, Julia Tours is located inside the Estació del Nord, ground floor, platform 19. Carrer d'Alí Bei, 80. I should have read the comments because we kept going around in circles and did not know that Julia tours was inside the terminal. We were there 30 minutes before the tour but the line was so long we got our tickets at 2 pm and there still at lot of people behind us. The buses left late past 2pm. Julia travels should issue the tickets electronically the day before the trip so people will not get confused. Some went straight to the bus thinking the ticket was the confirmation letter. Overall, the tour was great, very informative and not too tiring for seniors like us. I gave overall 4 rating because the chaotic lines to get the tickets. 5 star rating for Lorena.
Pick-up point so easy to...
Craig H,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Pick-up point so easy to find. Tour guide Ivan was very informative and funny. His knowledge of the Monserrat was amazing. It was a beautiful day and the views were spectacular. Be prepared, it can be busy and we felt that there wasn't enough time at the monastery. The buildings and history and views were incredible - how they got the monastery built all those centuries ago, what a feat of engineering. The art gallery was beautiful, but again not enough time, to take our time. We did not manage to go up to the top of the funicular railway, to the very top of the mountain, again time. Also we were unable to do the "inter-active experience. We chose the option of tasting "4 typical liquors" of Monserrat. This was the biggest disappointment. The lady was so quick, the liquors were spilt over the counter, there was very little explanation of them - The whole experience took less that 4 minutes. Very disappointing and not impressed!! If you get the chance to go, definitely put it on your list - so worth a visit.
Excellent experience
195winnieb,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great experience. We had no expectations before the trip.
A waste of money with this tour operator.
Christina S,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00We were allowed less than 15 minutes at the site rushed through. The tour guide said we would be refunded, and when we requested a refund it was rejected. We were in hours of traffic. The tour didn’t deliver, and they didn’t offer any explanation for not providing the itinerary we paid for, or adequately reimburse. An entire waste of our last day in Barcelona.
The tour itself was good....
Siva G,May 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The tour itself was good. Finding Julia Travels was a bit difficult since they provided a specific street address with number, rather than simply state that they were located inside the Bus Station. Being unfamiliar with the area (as a foreigner) we were trying to find the address near the bus station, without realizing that they were located inside the bus station.
Wonderful tour of Montserrat
rastormont,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time with Miri and Sandra our tour guides. The bus ride up went by quickly with lots of little stories of sights we passed. The tour itself was wonderful with lots of history and incredible religious statues and paintings the black Madonna was very impressive and awe inspiring.
Miscommunication between Viator and Julia Travel
travis s,May 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00On May 2, 2026 We were told by the Julia travel service member In Barcelona that we missed our trip because Viator emailed us and changed our time and we never received an email from Viator. We were devastated to have missed a very special and meaningful tour.
Lovely afternoon with my...
Jennifer H,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely afternoon with my family taking the cog train to Montserrat. Lorena from Julia Travel is a great guide.
Loved it!
Chester W,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful!!! Very informative. Mountain was beautiful. Church was magnificent. So much detail. Wood do it again.
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Operated by Julia Travel S.L