Hi, we will be going there from Barcelona by car and will one night in Montserrat. However I went to their official site to reserve the entrance tickets (free), but dates in May were all taken, nothing is available there. Can we still go inside without a reservation for entrance tickets? Thank you!
Posted by
Chicago
775 posts
I was just there in March. Tickets are no longer free. Even for the Basilica, a paid admission is required - there are ticket checkers at the entrance.
There are timed admissions required for the Black Madonna line, but a general admission ticket will allow you into the basilica at any time of the day. Or, so I was told as I stood outside! I purchased online while standing a few feet from the entrance and was let in to the basilica immediately. I had to wait for the Black Madonna.
The online info on many of the blogs that I studied before arriving are out of date. I didn't see it in time, but RS is ahead of the game with a correction to his guides. From "Near Barcelona": For books printed before July 2024, the following may apply:
The basilica on Montserrat now charges admission, and requires timed-entry tickets not only to see La Moreneta (the Black Virgin) but to enter the basilica."
My understanding from discussion with the ticket taker at the entrance to the basilica is that tickets can also be purchased at the Tourist Info just below the monastery entrance.
Posted by
Barcelona (Catalonia)
2942 posts
The reservation can be made up to a month in advance, beyond that it's not possible. So, if you're visiting, say, May 17th, try to book on April 18th.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, Washington, USA
12 posts
Thank you for the info!!
Yes, now I find I can only book one month ahead.
Another question I have is about the lodging in Montserrat area. I plan to book one night there, is there any recommendation or anything I need to be aware of?
Posted by
Tennessee
89 posts
I was just at Montserrat about 2 weeks ago. From what I remember from our guides, there are some overnight accommodations up there but I "think" they are limited to people either on various religious retreats, the boys choir, and other special guests. But, I wasn't paying a lot of attention at that point because we would not be going overnight.
Also FYI, for anyone interested. The black Madonna is displayed WAY back and above the alter, and while you can "see" it from the floor of the church, you wont see much except for the backs of peoples heads that are in the line going up some side stairs to see it up close. That line crosses in front of the Madonna. Even zooming in all the way on my phone, it was barely visible and very blurry. So if this is important to you, get the additional ticket for the line to go up and GO EARLY in the day.
Posted by
Barcelona (Catalonia)
2942 posts
Hi Elaine,
I wouldn't know where to start since I don't know your plans or interests.
If anything, keep in mind:
- An old post of mine, still mostly valid though: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/spain/a-visit-to-montserrat-the-holy-mountain-near-barcelona-in-catalonia
- It can be hot and humid during the day, but fresh in the evening so if you venture to stroll one of the many hiking paths -and you should! some are very easy and quite 'flat'- take a light jacket, water and a flashlight.
- If the climate turns for the worst -that is, another heat wave kicks in this summer-, hiking paths in Montserrat may be closed to the public, so you'll be able to be in the monastery area but not venture to the top of the mountain range or stroll the paths (ie to Route to the Santa Cova (Holy Grotto))
- Near Montserrat, in Collbató, there's a site worthwhile visiting: https://www.turismebaixllobregat.com/en/get-organised/nature/caves-montserrat-collbato
Enjoy!