Discover Montserrat’s Black Madonna and Boys Choir on a guided tour from Barcelona. Enjoy exclusive access and a mesmerizing choir performance.
Discover Montserrat’s Black Madonna and Boys Choir on a guided tour from Barcelona. Enjoy exclusive access and a mesmerizing choir performance.
- Monistrol de Montserrat - The Montserrat rack railway spans five kilometers, connecting Monistrol de Montserrat with Montserrat. This journey takes passengers to the summit of Catalonia’s iconic mountain, offering panoramic views through the train’s expansive windows. The railway’s origins trace back to 1891, when engineer Joaquim Carrera,…
- Monistrol de Montserrat - The Montserrat rack railway spans five kilometers, connecting Monistrol de Montserrat with Montserrat. This journey takes passengers to the summit of Catalonia’s iconic mountain, offering panoramic views through the train’s expansive windows. The railway’s origins trace back to 1891, when engineer Joaquim Carrera, inspired by Montserrat and Swiss mountain trains, persuaded an entrepreneur to construct a train linking the newly established Monistrol de Montserrat station to the monastery.
- Montserrat - Montserrat Natural Park is a stunning natural area dominated by the distinctive silhouette of its namesake mountain, a rocky sandstone massif with extremely hard calcareous cement that has evolved into its unique and recognizable shape over millions of years. The Holy Cave, the Sant Joan and Sant Miquel chapels, and most notably, Montserrat Abbey, make this location, just a short distance from Barcelona, a must-visit destination. Montserrat is often referred to as the ‘magic mountain’ due to the many legends it has inspired. The first legend is the discovery of the wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, believed to have been found in the Santa Cova or Holy Cave in 880. Another tale speaks of a woodcutter who made a pact with the Devil to obtain a swift horse for transporting his wood.
- Abadia de Montserrat - According to a legend documented in 1239, in the year 880, some shepherds experienced a visit from the Virgin Mary in the form of light and music. This vision occurred multiple times, leading to the discovery of the first image of the Mother of God in a mountain cave. Although the mountain had been home to several chapels inhabited by hermits since the 9th century, it wasn’t until 1025 that Abbot Oliba established Montserrat Abbey, turning it into a pilgrimage site. Today, the monastery is home to around eighty Benedictine monks who venerate a Black Madonna, affectionately 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 holds an orb, symbolizing the cosmos, in her right hand, while her left hand rests on the back of the Infant Jesus, indicating that the omnipotent king is her son.
- Escolania de Montserrat - The Escolania de Montserrat is one of Europe’s oldest and most esteemed choirs. Its choristers, boys aged 7 to 13, receive comprehensive musical training and education, performing concerts worldwide and participating in the abbey’s liturgical ceremonies. Listening to them is a privilege and a true delight 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 established. In 1474, the boys had the honor of singing for King Ferdinand the Catholic during his visit to Barcelona, and since then, they have performed for prominent figures globally and anyone who wishes to hear them. The Escolania choir sings several times a day, performing pieces like “Virolai,” a hymn in honor of the Virgin Mary composed by Mossèn Jacint Verdaguer in 1880; Salves and polyphonic motets.

- Abadia de Montserrat Ticket
- Rack Railway ticket
- Visit of the Museum of Montserrat
- The Choir of Montserrat
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Abadia de Montserrat Ticket
- Rack Railway ticket
- Visit of the Museum of Montserrat
- The Choir of Montserrat
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Tours on Saturday’s and Sunday’s do not include the Boys’ Choir performace and Black Mary’s statue
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Tours on Saturday’s and Sunday’s do not include the Boys’ Choir performace and Black Mary’s statue
This tour by Catalunya Bus Turístic provides an enriching and immersive experience of Montserrat, blending history, culture, and stunning landscapes. It begins with a picturesque ride on the rack railway, offering visitors breathtaking views of Catalonia’s mountainous terrain. A guided tour delivers captivating insights into Montserrat’s history and…
This tour by Catalunya Bus Turístic provides an enriching and immersive experience of Montserrat, blending history, culture, and stunning landscapes. It begins with a picturesque ride on the rack railway, offering visitors breathtaking views of Catalonia’s mountainous terrain. A guided tour delivers captivating insights into Montserrat’s history and spiritual importance. Visitors have access to the Basilica, where they can appreciate its remarkable architecture and ambiance. A special highlight is the chance to see ‘La Moreneta,’ the esteemed Black Madonna statue, and visit the Montserrat Museum. Another unique feature of the tour is a live performance by the world-renowned Escolania de Montserrat boys’ choir, providing an unforgettable cultural experience (except on weekends, when museum access is included instead). The tour ensures a seamless and enriching visit with all tickets included. Don’t miss out!
- Travel time is included on the total tour duration
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.