Montserrat, located about 30 miles northwest of Barcelona, is a stunning mountain and religious site in Catalonia, Spain. The name Montserrat translates to “serrated mountain” and it is renowned for its jagged peaks and breathtaking views. Montserrat has been a bastion of Catalan culture and resistance, symbolizing resilience during times of political and social turmoil.

The highlight of a visit to Montserrat is Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey. The Benedictine monastery is the spiritual heart of Montserrat and houses the famous Black Madonna statue (La Moreneta), a revered symbol of Catalonia. The Black Madonna, or “La Moreneta,” is a 12th-century Romanesque wooden statue of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus. According to legend, the statue was discovered in a cave by shepherds in the 9th century, guided by a divine light. It has since become a central symbol of Catalan identity and devotion.

Montserrat is also home to the Escolania Choir, one of Europe’s oldest boys’ choirs. The choir performs daily at the basilica, but advance booking is required.

In addition, there are various hiking trails, which range from moderate to challenging. The Sant Jeroni hike leads to the highest peak for panoramic views and takes about 50 minutes round trip. There are also two funiculars, Sant Joan and Santa Cova, that help visitors access key hiking points and scenic viewpoints.

Most people visit Montserrat on a day trip from Barcelona, but there is a hotel and 2 hostels if you would like to stay overnight. Many tours run from Barcelona to Montserrat daily. You can also reach it by yourself via train. From Barcelona’s Plaça d’Espanya station, you take a R5 regional train towards Manresa, which takes about 1.5 hours. From there, you can either take a cable car from Montserrat-Aeri station or take a cogwheel rail train at Monistrol de Montserrat station.