Is Montserrat ticket by reservation is required?

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The online info on many of the blogs that I studied before arriving are out of date.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.

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.

https://abadiamontserrat.cat/en/booking/

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?

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.

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!

I planned on purchasing the combo Trans Montserrat ticket to get transportation from Barcelona and access to the cable car and funicular and entrance to the basilica and La Morenta (included) but was concerned about lack of a timed entry.

If I book through Montserrat website, I am asked to choose a timed entry with a booklet and audioguide for 10E.

How important is timed entry? Are most people who bought tickets in package in a queue for long periods?

Does the included ticket allow for access to an audioguide or pamphlet ?