The Sant Joan Funicular Railway runs from the Montserrat Monastery up to the very peak of the mountain. Built in 1918 for monks wishing to pray at the Hermitage of Sant Joan, it trundles up the 65 percent gradient to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level for stupendous views across the wild, arid landscapes of Catalonia.
Visitors who ride the Sant Joan Funicular to the top of the mountain are rewarded with a bird’s-eye view of the monastery below. From here, signposted walking trails wind around the surrounding peaks of Montserrat Natural Park. Hiking tours of Montserrat Mountain typically include a ride up the funicular, with the option to ride or walk back down after the hike. A small museum near the upper station highlights the plants and animals found in the surrounding wilderness.
The Sant Joan Funicular is the easiest way to reach the viewpoint at the top of Montserrat.
Choose between a single or return ticket, depending on whether you plan to ride or walk back down.
A one-way trip along the funicular railway takes about seven minutes.
The Sant Joan Funicular is not accessible for wheelchair users but there are other ways to reach the peak of Monserrat.
The lower terminal of the funicular is located near the Montserrat Monastery. To get there, ride the Cremallera cog railway from the bottom of Montserrat Mountain to the monastery or the cable car from Montserrat Aeri.
The Sant Joan Funicular runs every 20 minutes from mid-morning to evening throughout the year. It’s busiest during the months of July and August, so expect long lines during this period.
Visitors to Montserrat have another funicular option upon arrival at Montserrat—the Santa Cova Funicular. This cable railway takes visitors a little way down the mountain to Santa Cova, a cave sanctuary where legend says some local shepherds found an image of the Virgin Mary, one that's now housed within the monastery.
