Last Updated on December 9, 2025 by Christian Heide
The Barcelona Feeling now offers a private tour to the mountain Monastery of Montserrat located about one hour away from the city. The day trip comprises:
- Enjoy a day in the beautiful mountain
- Go up to the monastery by a historic cable car
- Learn about the Benedictine monastery
- Listen to the world famous Boys´ Choir that has been existing for more than 500 years
- Walk on top of the mountain and take breathtaking panoramic photos!
- Optionally: Include a hiking trail
History of Montserrat
The current Benedictine monastery was founded in 1025 in the middle of the iconic mountain, which already held spiritual significance in Roman times. Since around 880, several hermitages dedicated to the Black Virgin had existed in the area. Over the centuries, Montserrat developed into one of the most important pilgrimage and cultural sites in Catalonia, frequently mentioned in medieval chronicles as a place of miracles, learning, and religious devotion.
During the Napoleonic Wars in 1811, the monastery was completely destroyed and later suffered severe damage again during the Spanish Civil War in the late 1930s. Because of this turbulent history, the outer façade seen today dates from the 1960s, reflecting the most recent major reconstruction efforts supported by the Catalan people’s enduring devotion.
The church façade was erected in 1901, while the altar cross dates back to the 15th century. The central columns of the church depict the prophets Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Jeremiah. The historic pipe organ was built in 1896 and moved to the presbytery in 1957. As it had become heavily deteriorated over time, a new organ was installed and inaugurated in 2010. Music, especially choral singing, remains an essential part of life in Montserrat.
The monastery’s publishing house is one of the oldest continuously operating presses in the world, with its first book printed in 1499. Today it also houses an impressive library containing around 350,000 volumes, including many rare early prints and manuscripts. Montserrat continues to serve not only as a spiritual sanctuary but also as a guardian of Catalan heritage, culture, and intellectual tradition.
The Black Madonna
According to the legend, shepherds saw a light coming out of an – until then – unknown cave where they found the Madonna when entering it. They tried to move the sculpture but only managed to do so to the spot where she is nowadays as she suddenly became so heavy that nobody could move her anymore. So monks decided to build the monastery at exactly that place around her, believing it was a divine sign of her wish to remain on the sacred mountain.
The Madonna you can see today in the church is actually a Romanesque sculpture from the 12th century. Her face turned black in the course of the time having been exposed to candle smoke. She was named patron saint of Catalonia next to Sant Jordi in 1880 by the Pope for her 1000th birthday. Usually there is a long line of pilgrims waiting to be able to praise the Madonna and touch or kiss her, convinced that she offers protection, comfort, and blessings to those who come with sincere devotion.
The Order of Saint Benedict in Montserrat
All Benedictine monasteries are operating autonomously and are run by an abbot. More than 70 monks are currently living in Montserrat. They are also called black monks in reference to their cloths. When becoming a monk one has to make three vows: The first one is the promise of stability – a lifelong commitment to the same monastic community. The second vow is the obedience to the community superior, ensuring harmony and shared responsibility. The final vow is to convert to a monastic manner of life, embracing simplicity, prayer, and work following the Rule of Saint Benedict.
Daily life in Montserrat follows a strict schedule centered around collective prayer, silent reflection, study, and community tasks. The monks dedicate themselves not only to spiritual growth but also to welcoming pilgrims and guests, safeguarding the cultural heritage of the mountain, and contributing to the community through music, education, and artisanal products such as honey, herbal liqueurs, and chocolates. Their presence keeps the long tradition of monastic life on Montserrat alive and meaningful in the modern world.
Things to do in Barcelona
The Barcelona Feeling offers private tours to the Monastery of Montserrat. A day trip out of town you should not miss during your Barcelona trip: Private Tour Montserrat Mountain & Monastery