Costa Brava Tour: Kayak, Snorkel & Cliff Jump from Barcelona
5,0 (5062)8hBarcelona, Spain
From€60
Culture
Montserrat Complete Guided Tour & Boys Choir Performance
4.2(115 reviews)Barcelona, Spain
6h15DurationEnglish, SpanishOffered inMobile ticketTicketNot includedPickupWheelchair accessibleAccessibilityEasyLevel
About this experience
Participants will experience Montserrat through a guided tour that includes a scenic ride on the rack railway, providing views of Catalonia’s mountainous landscape. The tour offers insights into Montserrat’s history and spiritual significance, with access to the Basilica to view its architecture and atmosphere. Visitors will see ‘La Moreneta,’ the Black Madonna statue, and visit the Montserrat Museum. A live performance by the Escolania de Montserrat boys' choir is included, except on weekends when museum access replaces the performance. All tickets are included in the tour. The experience is suitable for those interested in culture and history, but may not appeal to those who prefer a more casual visit.
Itinerary
1
Monistrol de Montserrat
The Montserrat rack railway covers the five kilometers between Monistrol de Montserrat and Montserrat. It is a route that takes you to the top of Catalonia’s most emblematic mountain, which is visible from all angles thanks to the panoramic view offered by the train’s large windows. Its history dates back to 1891, when Joaquim Carrera, an engineer who was passionate about Montserrat and Swiss mountain trains, convinced an entrepreneur to build a train between the recently-opened Monistrol de Montserrat station and the monastery.
2
Montserrat
Montserrat Natural Park is a natural space dominated by the characteristic silhouette of its eponymous mountain, a rocky massif of sandstone and extremely hard calcareous cement that over millions of years has adopted its peculiar and recognisable form. The Holy Cave, the Sant Joan and Sant Miquel chapels, and above all, Montserrat Abbey, make this place, which is just a short distance from Barcelona, an unmissable destination. Montserrat is nicknamed the ‘magic mountain’ due to the numerous legends it has generated. The first of them is the discovery of the wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, which is reputed to have been found in the so-called Santa Cova or Holy Cave in 880. Another legend tells of a woodcutter who made a pact with the Devil to receive a fast horse to carry his wood.
3
Abadia De Montserrat
The legend, of which there is written testimony from 1239, says that one afternoon in the year 880 some shepherds received a visit from the Virgin Mary in the form of light and music. The vision was repeated several times and it was then when the first image of the Mother of God was found in a cave in the mountain. Even though the mountain had already been home to a number of chapels inhabited by hermits since the 9th century, it was not until 1025 that Abbot Oliba founded Montserrat Abbey and it became a pilgrimage destination. Now the monastery is inhabited by some eighty Benedictine monks who worship a Black Madonna popularly known as ‘La Moreneta’ (the little dark one), a 12th-century statue of Our Lady of Montserrat, the patron saint of Catalonia. The Virgin Mary is holding an orb, signifying the cosmos, in her right hand, while her left hand rests on the back of the Infant Jesus to indicate that the omnipotent king is her son.
4
Escolania de Montserrat
The Escolania de Montserrat is one of Europe’s oldest and most renowned choirs. Its choristers, boys aged 7 to 13 who receive full musical training and schooling, perform concerts all around the world and participate in the abbey’s liturgical rites. Hearing them is a privilege and a true pleasure for the ears. According to the abbey’s records the choir dates back to the 14th century when a religious and musical school for boys was founded. In 1474, the boys had the honour of singing for King Ferdinand the Catholic during his visit to Barcelona, and since then they have performed for leading figures the world over and everyone who wants to hear them. The Escolania choir sings several times a day and performs pieces like "Virolai", a hymn in honour of the Virgin Mary composed by Mossèn Jacint Verdaguer in 1880; Salves and polyphonic motets. NOTE: During the summer, the Escolania de Montserrat does not perform between 25 June and 27 August(both dates inclusive), school holiday period.
What's included / not included
Abadia de Montserrat TicketAir conditioned vehicleRack Railway ticketVisit of the Museum of MontserratThe Choir of Montserrat ( not included at weekends and from June 25 to August 28)
Gratuities
Additional information
Accessibility and comfort
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Good to know
- -Travel time is included on the total tour duration
- People who use a wheelchair can request an adapted bus by calling 932 853 834 at least 48 hours in advance.
Traveller reviews
4.2115 reviews
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