Catalonia Spain

This is the visit to the Sagrada Familia, Gaudí's jewel in Barcelona

Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

I can tell you that just to visit this architectural corner is worth it. travel to Barcelona.

Therefore it should not surprise you that, according to the latest data, it is the most visited monument Spain, with more than three million tourists a year.

As you can imagine, I am referring to the Gaudi's Holy Family, majestic religious building that the brilliant Catalan architect began to build in 1882...which has not yet been completed, and which you can now visit under normal conditions after the period of the pandemic.

 
 

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Sagrada Familia, great of Gaudi's architecture

The image of the Sagrada Familia is linked to that of the City of Barcelona, with its enormous towers that once finished will represent Jesus, Virgin Mary,  apostles and four evangelists.

The spectacular design of Gaudí, with its sinuous forms taken from nature and very ornate aesthetics, is perhaps the greatest exponent of modern architecture.

This design will force you to spend a lot of time contemplating the many artistic details of its exterior.

Specifically, what will catch your attention the most are its Nativity facades and Passion, the first of which was completed by the Catalan architect himself.

Interior of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
Interior of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

Declared Heritage awarded by the Unesco, within the set of works made by Gaudí, in November 2010 the Sagrada Familia was visited by Pope Benedict XVI for its consecration.

This is the experience of visiting the Sagrada Familia

It has not been long since the interior of the temple can be visited, since, in fact, the vaults of the transept and apse were not completed until 2010.

In recent times I have had two occasions to visit its interior, and I can tell you that I have been really impressed.

I have never seen anything like the original. Gaudi design and the majesty of it.

 
 

The building is still under construction, and currently the main façade is being addressed, the the glory, as well as the main towers, the tallest of which will have a height of 172 meters.

The date of its completion is difficult to predict, but at least the work already indicates that not too many years will pass.

Towers of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
Towers of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

Best places to see in the Sagrada Familia

In anticipation of your visit, and a clear invitation for it, here we detail the most interesting corners that you should see, with a selection with the best photos of the Sagrada Familia taken during the several visits I have made.

Towers of the Sagrada Familia

The picture exterior of the Sagrada Familia It is marked by its sharp towers.

But, did you know that according to the final project of Gaudí they will be built until 18 towers, of which the six plants that have not yet been built will be the tallest?

The one with the highest height will be cruise tower, which will reach 172,5 meters, and it is expected that when the building is completed, it will become the tallest in the city of Barcelona.

Nativity Facade

The first façade that was completed in the Sagrada Familia is the Nacimiento, which gives to the Marina Street and is the maximum expression of the architectural forms that Gaudí marked for this great monument.

Facade of the Birth in the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
Facade of the Birth in the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

This façade is configured with three porticos dedicated to the Charity, The Hope and Fe.

Oriented in such a way that it receives the light of dawn, it was built between 1893 and 1936.

This cover ends at the top with three bell towers.

As a curiosity, being aware that the cathedral project would not be completed during his lifetime, Gaudí He decided to finish this façade completely to leave a sample of what the rest of the project should be like.

Passion Facade

La Passion Facade, which began to be built in 1956, is where you will now enter your visit to the Sagrada Familia.

Passion Facade in the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
Passion Facade in the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

Like that of Nacimiento, The Passion Facade It is configured with three large portals and shows a much less ornate architectural style than that one.

The last construction process of the Passion Facade has been the incorporation of great sculptural figures.

These sculptures are the work of Josep María Subirach made with a simple and schematic style, which is in line with the general design of the façade designed by Gaudí, much more austere than the ornate Nativity façade.

Gospel Gate

Like the three covers of the Nativity Facade They are closed with imposing doors, in the Passion Facade The same thing happens, with three enormous doors made by Subirach.

Door of the Gospel in the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
Door of the Gospel in the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

La Gospel Gate It is the one that with two wings closes the central doorway of this façade that faces the Sandenya street.

Central nave of the Sagrada Familia

If the image exterior of the Sagrada Familia Gaudí It seems majestic to you, where you will really be impressed is when you access its interior and see its incredible height and spectacular design.

Gaudí Initially he planned to build the cathedral following the inspiration of the Gothic style, but the final result is a very personal style.

The interior shows a forest of arborescent columns where light plays a primary function.

 
 
Central nave of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
Central nave of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

El interior of the Sagrada Familia It is arranged in the shape of a Latin cross, with five naves 90 meters long, and with a height in the side naves of 30 meters.

On these sides, the very colorful stained glass windows stand out, which on the west façade acquire great luminosity when dusk arrives.

The image of Sagrada Familia cruise It is one of the best exponents of spectacular interior design, with the large forest of 36 columns and the special shapes of the vaults.

Sagrada Familia cruise in Barcelona
Sagrada Familia cruise in Barcelona

The design of the vault of the central nave of the Sagrada Familia is spectacular, which reaches a height of 45 meters.

The vaults are designed with hyperboloid shapes.

El transept that joins the façades of the Birth and the Passion shows the great interior height of the Sagrada Familia.

Baldachin of the Sagrada Familia

One of the most spectacular corners of the interior of the Sagrada Familia is the Baldachin of the Central Altar.

Its design shows a representation of Jesus Christ on the Cross.

Baldachin of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
Baldachin of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

Visiting hours of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

Facing your Trip to Barcelona, I tell you that the schedules to visit the Sagrada Familia They are, from April to September, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 20 p.m.; Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 18 p.m.; and Sundays, from 10,30:20 a.m. to XNUMX p.m.

In October and March, opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 19 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 18 p.m.; and on Sundays, from 10,30:19 a.m. to XNUMX p.m.

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And from November to February, Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 18 p.m., and Sundays, from 10,30:18 a.m. to XNUMX p.m.

On certain holidays the Sagrada Familia It closes at 14 p.m., specifically on December 25 and 26 and January 1 and 6.

Sagrada Familia ticket prices

El price of admission to make a visit on your own standard of the Sagrada Familia is 26 euros, which you do with the help of a mobile app with audio guide.

Detail of the Passion façade in the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
Detail of the Passion façade in the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

And if during the visit you want climb one of the towers, which is done by elevator and then walk down, the entrance price is 36 euros.

For its part, the official guided tour of the Sagrada Familia 50 minutes long costs 30 euros.

How to visit the Sagrada Familia without lines

If you want to make sure that you will not have to wait in the long lines that usually form on certain dates and times, here you can buy the ticket to the Sagrada Familia without queues.

This service is intended to ensure that you will not wait in the very long lines that usually occur to visit this impressive monument in Barcelona.

You must select the time you prefer and the number of people, having greater availability for the most basic price after 17 p.m.

How to climb a tower of the Sagrada Familia

One option you have is climb one of the towers of the Sagrada Familia, well four o'clock Nativity façade or those of the passion facade.

Reserve your RENTAL CAR now for your trip

Looking ahead to your trip, book your rental car now on this website that offers you the best price guaranteed and allows you a possible free cancellation in most cases. Here you have more information with tips for renting a car

Here you have information about visiting on your own with quick access without waiting in lines, including the climbing a tower of the Sagrada Familia.

Guided tour of the Sagrada Familia without the lines

Now, if instead of going on your own you want to have a broader knowledge of this great monument with a longer visit, and also avoid queues at the entrance, the best option is to sign up for these guided tours in Spanish of the Sagrada Familia

With a duration of an hour and a half, its price is 55 euros.

About the Author

José Luis Sarralde

Journalist and traveler throughout his life, José Luis Sarralde is the founder of Guías Viajar, where since 2008 he has been capturing his travel experiences around the world, specializing in cultural and scenic destinations in Spain and Europe.

Comments

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  • Visiting the temple of the Sagrada Familia is a wonderful feeling. Impresses from the outside. Inside it is spectacular. Around 15,30:XNUMX p.m. The sun comes in through all the windows and it really is something magical. I was there in January and I plan to return tomorrow since there are no crowds.

  • Hello
    I would like to know what the issue of reserving the time is like, if I get the entrance at 15.45:16 p.m. and the towers at XNUMX p.m., then can I continue doing the tour of the temple with the audio guide?
    It was not clear to me if the entrance is to the property or exclusively to see the temple.

    Thank you
    Mariana

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