Meet the tour at the scheduled time at the meeting point. You will be going on an early morning visit to the Montserrat Monastery, an hour’s drive from Barcelona. The magical mountain of Montserrat rising majestically 1,236 metres above the surrounding countryside, is the jewel in the crown of Catalonia. Thronged by tourists from all around the world, the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey with its impressive gothic and renaissance architecture reflects the rich culture of Catalonia.
As you drive through the picturesque villages on the way to the Abbey, take in the stunning landscape around you. This unique area contains one the country's most important museums as well as the shrine of the patron saint of Catalonia.
Enjoy an artistic insight into the architecture of the monastery. Study the archaeological styles influenced by Cyprus, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Palestine, and admire the 13th- to 18th- century paintings by famous artists including Berruguete, Caravaggio, El Greco and Morales.
Visit monastery’s atrium and attend an interesting permanent exhibition that reveals how imagery of the Virgin has transformed over the years. Explore the Royal Basilica, shrine to the Black Virgin of Montserrat, also known as la Moreneta, a 12th-century Romanesque carving.
Your guide will reveal the rich history of the Benedictine Abbey. Learn about the life behind the monastery walls through an audiovisual representation. You may even be fortunate enough to enjoy a delightful performance by the boys’ choir which performs on certain days at midday.
After the tour, you will be driven back to Barcelona.