Visit the iconic Sagrada Familia, a real work of open-air art in Barcelona and the most visited monument in Spain!
Barcelona, second city of Spain, houses an incredible amount of cultural wonders, and hits by the splendour of its monuments to visit . You will not remain indifferent to Gaudí's style (1852-1926), which left an indelible trace to the Catalan capital. Of its architectural creations, obviously remains the most visited building in Spain: visit the Sagrada Familia, the church that hosted up to 3.2 million visitors in 2012.
La Sagrada Familia and 135 years of history in a few words
La Sagrada Familia, by its Spanish name Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia , is a basilica whose first stone was laid in 1882, under the direction of architect A. Gaudi, and whose construction is still in progress .
The original project of 1882 was to build a church dedicated to the Holy Family: Saint Joseph, the Virgin Mary and Jesus. The primary vocation of this building was therefore deeply religious.
It was only after two years of antagonism and disagreement between several architects, that Gaudi took over the construction site on his behalf. His most ardent wish was to make the Sagrada Familia the highest building in Barcelona, culminating at 172.5 metres above the ground.
Gaudi extends the dimensions of the work, and plans to carry out three facades, five naves and eighteen towers: a Catholic fervent, it provides twelve for each apostle, four for the Evangelists, one for the Virgin Mary and three façades for the three phases of Jesus Christ’s life (Nativity, Passion and Glory).
It was only in 2027 that the building should be completed after 145 years of work!
Visiting the Sagrada Familia is exploring a gargantuesque masterpiece, on horseback over three centuries, whose funding is based exclusively on the alms since 1883. During your visit, discover the countless Catholic references scattered in religious architecture – columns, vaults, towers, windows, crypt, cloister, abside, chapel and facades – of the building.
What to see during the visit of Sagrada Familia
During your visit, discover the architectural details carefully thought out and requiring goldsmith work to realize them. You will be struck by the imposing structure of the cathedral and by the mix between the Gothic style and the Art Nouveau, typical of Catalan modernism.
Sagrada Familia is not just a church. Indeed, there is also a museum and a school inside the basilica.
According to the chosen tour formula, a specialized English-speaking or French-speaking guide will be available to visit the Sagrada Familia, the interior of the cathedral and its imposing façades.
Inside the religious building, the incredible clarity and brightness of the windows as well as the bright and warm colors of the nave will not be able to leave your eye indifferent.
You will also discover the basement of the "poor cathedral", where you will have access to the museum and the crypt. In the latter, a platform awaits you to observe the remains of Antonio Gaudí.
By choosing the access option to the towers, go up to the top of the cathedral and, by going to the Sagrada Familia, you also have a breathtaking view from the highest point of Barcelona.
Practical information about your visit
In case you have not spotted it, the Sagrada Familia is at 401 Carrer de Mallorca, 08013, Barcelona.
Find out about visiting times before you go to Barcelona. La Sagrada Familia is open:
- March: from 9am to 7pm,
- From April to September: from 9am to 8pm,
- October: from 9 am to 7 pm,
- From November to February: from 9am to 6pm,
- 25 and 26 December, 1 and 6 January: from 9am to 2pm.
Admissions for visits stop thirty minutes before the site is closed.
Be aware that your children under the age of 6 will logically not be allowed to ride in the towers if they are not accompanied by at least one adult. The ascent to the towers is made by an elevator, but the descent runs through a staircase: fragile legs abstain!
Book your ticket and access the Sagrada Familia
Affluence can be such that you will have to book your ticket in advance to avoid losing your time in the queue. Do you know the cut-file ticket? Don’t waste more time waiting for your tour at the ticket office, enjoy a quick access to visit the Sagrada Familia safely.
You are strongly advised to go to the Sagrada Familia without buying your ticket in advance . The tail will discourage you from entering the monument. For the same price as at the ticket office, you can buy a cut-file ticket:
Rates :
- Simple entrance : 15 €,
- Visit with audio guide : 22 €,
- Visit with specialized guide : 24 €,
- Visit with museum on Gaudi's life : 24 €,
- Visit with best panoramic views : 29 €,
- Groups from 15 € to 24 €,
- School groups from 9 € to 16 €.
How to access the Sagrada Familia?
To access the Sagrada Familia if you do not have GPS location:
- By subway: take the line L2 or L5, Sagrada Familia station,
- By bus: Lines 19, 3, 34, 43, 44, 50, 51, B20, B24.
Loading comments ...