Plaça de Santa Maria
Plaça de Santa Maria is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Montserrat audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~20 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type square
- Suggested visit ~20 min
- Montserrat Montserrat guide
About Plaça de Santa Maria
The great square at the threshold of the monastery, framed by the abbey's stern facade and the carved front of the basilica, where pilgrims gather and market stalls sell mountain honey and cheese.
The Plaça de Santa Maria is the main square and threshold of the monastery, where every visit begins. On one side rises the stern stone facade and tower of the abbey, built after the Second World War with reliefs by Joan Rebull; through its arcades an atrium leads to the carved 1901 facade of the basilica, with Christ and the apostles beneath a great rose window. Two galleries of the old Gothic cloister survive nearby.
Above lies the Plaça de l'Abat Oliba, with a statue of the founding abbot and a rare surviving medieval gate. A daily market sells local products: mountain honey, fresh mató cheese and herb liqueurs. Montserrat draws on the order of two and a half million visitors a year.
Did you know? The Plaça de Santa Maria is the main square and threshold of the monastery, framed by the abbey's post-war stone facade and tower, with reliefs by Joan Rebull, and leading through an atrium to the carved 1901 facade of the basilica.
How long should you spend at Plaça de Santa Maria?
Plan about ~20 min at Plaça de Santa Maria. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Plaça de Santa Maria worth visiting?
Plaça de Santa Maria is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Montserrat, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Montserrat
Day 1 of the Montserrat in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Plaça de Santa Maria
Preview the Montserrat tour free in the Gingerguide app.