MONTSERRAT FD & SANTA CECILIA MONASTERY WITH MUSEUM TICKET

Days and Dates: From 01 April to 31 October: Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Time: 09:15 am. Duration: 10h Approx. Departure point: Terminal in C/Balmes, 5 - Julia Offices.  Conditions: Advanved reservations required: 24h. Cancellation fee: 24 hours free of charge. Less than 24 hours or No Show 100%. Languages: English

ITINERARY

Board a coach from our office in central Barcelona to the magical mountain of Montserrat. Famous for its peculiar morphology, its name comes from the Catalan words Mont (mountain) and Serrat (serrated). World-famous for its rocky geography, Montserrat beautiful scenery was declared National Park in 1987 to protect its natural and cultural wealth.

Follow your local guide through the site and learn about the history and architectural style of the Monastery. A community of 80 monks currently lives and follow the rule of Saint Benedict in Montserrat. Fall in love with the Gothic and Renaissance details of the basilica and sanctuary. Learn about the legend of the miraculous apparition of the Madonna and Child in the cave of Santa Cova. To this day their wood carving is kept in the Church of the monastery, which you will be able to visit later. The figure is popularly known as La Moreneta (The Black Madonna) as a result of a varnish reaction.

After the guided tour you will be given about 3 hours of free time. Then, you can shop for locally produced treats, have lunch, listen to one of the oldest Boys’ Choir in Europe (subject to their schedule), visit the audio visual exhibition, visit the museum (if option selected) or taste the finest liquors made in the region. Besides the main area, there are a great number of small churches and trails you can hike to.

Join your guide back again for the second part of the visit, an exclusive guided tour of the Sacristy. Back on the bus we will drive to Santa Cecilia, first monastery built in the mountain. This construction is located in a privileged and peaceful natural terrace with breathtaking views of the peaks. Enjoy the artistic intervention of the Irish painter Sean Scully and be amazed by its fusion of Christian and avant-garde artworks.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Black Madonna: locally known as La Moreneta, this is a figure not to be missed.
• Boys’ Choir: one of the oldest in Europe. See timetable for scheduled concerts, usually at 1PM.  
• Montserrat Museum: wide variety of archeological artworks from medieval times to avant-garde style. Entrance fee not included on the tour.
• Funicular of Sant Joan and funicular of Santa Cova: use the Sant Joan funicular to enjoy the panoramic views or reach the cave of La Santa Cova to see the original place of the apparition.
• Hiking routes: although there are plenty of trails to follow, we recommend you to reach the cross of Sant Miquel (approximately 15 minutes from the monastery) as it offers one of the best views of the area.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Transportation on an air conditioned coach.
• Monolingual tour in English.
• Radio guide system.
• Exclusive entrance to the Sacristy.
• Exclusive entrance to Santa Cecilia monastery.
• Admission ticket to the Montserrat museum (if option selected).
• Taste of 4 typical liquors of the area.
• Entrance to the audio visual exhibition in Montserrat “Espai Audio visual Montserrat”.
• Discounts for some of the main attractions:
  • 20% off in the Sant Joan Funicular ticket.
  • 10% off in the Museum entrance fee.
  • 10% off in the buffet restaurant at the “Mirador dels Apostols”.

EXCLUSIONS

• Food and drinks, unless specified.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off.

• Ticket for the funicular in Montserrat.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• A dress code is required to enter to the venue. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. No flip flops permitted.
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
• Please note: Radio guide system is offered to groups of more than 5 people.
• Please note this is a walking tour on arrival at the site. Wear appropriate attire.
• Please check the opening times for the facilities you wish to visit.
• Schedule may vary without further notice due to extraordinary conditions.
• No shows will not be refunded.
• Duration: 10 hours (transportation included).
• Queues to see the Black Madonna may occur depending on season.