Visiting Montserrat
Montserrat, the “magic mountain”, is one of the greatest attractions just 1 hour from Granollers
The Mountain of Montserrat has such surprising features it has become one of the symbols of Catalonia. Although it looks like a rather arid, rocky mountain, its paths reveal the luxuriant vegetation and wildlife living on its slopes.
The Sanctuary of Montserrat
The historical origins of the sanctuary of Nostra Senyora de Montserrat lie in the Hermitage of Santa Maria, donated by Count Guifré el Pelós (Wilfred the Hairy) to Ripoll Monastery in 888.
Two centuries after the foundation of the hermitage, the current Monastery of Montserrat was built and the monks busied themselves providing shelter for the large number of visitors to the site.
It is located high up in a mountain with remarkably shaped peaks, hence the name of Montserrat or “serrated mountain”.
The Sanctuary of Montserrat is divided into two different areas: the basilica, the monastery, the museum or the buildings to attend to visitors.
A visit to the basilica is highly recommended, given its importance as a Gothic monument. Mass is given here, as well as choral concerts. And, no less important, it also houses the sculpture of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Montserrat.
Known popularly as La Moreneta (the Dark One), Our Lady of Montserrat is a Romanesque polychrome carving from the late 12th century.
How to get to the Sanctuary of Montserrat
On foot
From Monistrol:
Camí de les Canals i de les Aigües, also known as the Romeu (pilgrims’ route) to Montserrat. This was the route chosen by pilgrims on the Way of St James.
Els Tres Quarts shortcut. The most typical route from Monistrol, with a climb of 525 metres. It’s duly indicated by red and white marker lines.
PR-C 19. This route, proposed by the Club Muntanyenc Monistrolenc, was arranged to commemorate the club’s 50th anniversary. It has been approved by the Catalan Footpath Committee of the Catalan Federation of Hiking Organisations and is indicated using the official pathway markers.
Cable car
One of the fastest ways to get to the Sanctuary is by cable car. For 5 minutes you can enjoy the countryside of the county of Bages . A car departs every 15 minutes.
Coach
If you’re looking for comfort, safety and a cheap form of travel, then the coach is the best option. You can join an established tour and book your seat or design your own itinerary. You can always contact BusUp for recommended tours.
Rack Railway
Another way of enjoying the countryside is by taking the rack railway. You’ll get wonderful views of the mountainside for 15 minutes. A train departs every 20 minutes.
The Montserrat rack railway is a public train service that allows passengers to enjoy the mountainside scenery while climbing over 600 metres.
It covers more than five kilometres and joins the Monistrol de Montserrat station served by the Catalan railway line (FGC) with the Monastery.
The journey takes 15 minutes and trains usual depart every 20 minutes from Monistrol Vila.
There are 900 free parking spaces, for cars and coaches.
Plan your visit and buy your tickets online.
By road
Montserrat has good communications with the main roads.
The Board of Trustees of the Mountain of Montserrat has a supervised car park area.
Vehicle capacity is limited, however.
Information for the visit
Telephone: +34 93 877 77 77
Email: informacio@larsa-montserrat.com
Website: https://www.montserratvisita.com/en/index.html
Timetables:
Basilica
From 7.30 am to 8 pm
Cambril de la Mare de Déu (Throne of Our Lady)
From 8 am to 10.30 am and from 12 midday to 6.15 pm
Information Office
Monday to Friday: From 9 am to 6.45 pm
Weekends and public holidays: From 9 am to 8 pm
Montserrat Museum
Monday to Friday: From 10 am to 5.45 pm
Weekends and public holidays: From 10 am to 6.45 pm
