The journey to Montserrat is part of the adventure. Most travelers set out from Barcelona’s Plaça Espanya station, where frequent FGC R5 trains depart for the foothills of the mountain. From there, you can choose how to ascend. The most scenic route is by the Aeri de Montserrat cable car, a thrilling five-minute ride that soars up the cliffs, offering panoramic views that grow more dramatic with every meter. For those who prefer a gentler approach, the Cremallera de Montserrat rack railway winds steadily up from Monistrol de Montserrat station through the green folds of the valley. There are also direct buses from Barcelona for those seeking a simple transfer, and many visitors with cars choose to drive — a pleasant one-hour journey along the C-58 and C-55 highways that ends with parking near the base or at the mountain itself.

When you reach the upper station, Montserrat reveals itself as a small world of its own — a blend of peaceful courtyards, echoing basilicas, and rugged cliffs. The centerpiece is the Basilica of Santa Maria de Montserrat, home to La Moreneta, the revered Black Madonna, whose darkened wooden figure is believed to date from the 12th century. Pilgrims often queue to touch or pray before the statue, and if you arrive around 1 p.m., you may hear the ethereal voices of the Escolania de Montserrat, one of Europe’s oldest boys’ choirs, performing hymns that fill the vaulted space with sound.

Beyond the basilica, the monastery complex unfolds into terraces and promenades that frame breathtaking vistas of Catalonia. Many visitors wander to the nearby Cross of Sant Miquel, a short 20-minute walk that offers one of the best views of the entire mountain and abbey below. Others explore the on-site museum, where masterpieces by Caravaggio, Dalí, and El Greco share space with artifacts tracing the monastery’s long history. For an even grander perspective, you can board the Funicular de Sant Joan, which climbs steeply into the upper reaches of the mountain, opening onto hiking paths and lookout points where eagles wheel in the wind. Another funicular, the Funicular de Santa Cova, descends toward a cave shrine that, according to legend, was where the statue of the Virgin was first discovered.

If you rode the cable car up, take time to enjoy the return descent as well — it’s as breathtaking as the ascent, gliding silently past cliffs that glow pink in the afternoon light. The experience captures the essence of Montserrat: a place that feels close to both sky and stone, where every view seems touched by something sacred.

Visiting Montserrat can be as brief or as immersive as you choose. A focused visit to the abbey and terraces takes about three to four hours, while adding the funiculars or a hike extends the day to five or six. To make the most of your trip, plan to arrive early — trains from Barcelona start around 8:30 a.m. — or visit later in the afternoon when crowds thin and the light turns golden. It’s best to wear comfortable shoes and layers, since the mountain air is often cooler than the city’s, and to bring water or snacks if you plan to wander beyond the main complex. Food options are available at the monastery, but many visitors prefer a picnic with a view.

Before setting out, check the seasonal schedule for the cable car and funiculars, as they sometimes close for maintenance during winter. Combo tickets combining train and ascent can be purchased at Plaça Espanya, saving time and simplifying connections.

In the end, Montserrat is more than a day trip — it’s a pilgrimage, a landscape, and a piece of Catalan soul. Whether you come for the choir’s haunting music, the Black Madonna’s quiet power, or the sheer beauty of the mountains, you’ll leave feeling lighter, as though some part of the mountain’s timeless stillness has traveled back down with you.