Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia
Gaudí’s basilica in the center of Barcelona is an architectural marvel and offers views across the city from eight towering spires.

The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona’s most famous landmark. The huge basilica was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. Its eight distinctive towers can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Thousands of visitors come here daily to admire the architecture and to take in views of the city from the top of the towers.

Because of the ambitious nature of the design, the basilica is still under construction and isn’t expected to be finished until at least the late 2020s. The project began in 1882 and Gaudí took over in 1883. Gaudí devoted the last years of his life to the building but died before it could be finished. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gaudí’s design combines art nouveau and gothic styles of architecture. The outside of the church is made up of towers, spires and detailed façades. Many compare it to an intricate sand castle. Inside, colourful columns branch out like tree canopies.

Take your time walking through the nave to appreciate the tree-like columns, natural light and details on the ceiling.

It is worth spending a few extra dollars on an audio guide, which runs one hour and 45 minutes. Learn about the history of the building and facts about Gaudí. A special audio guide for children is fun and easy to follow, and lasts for about 40 minutes.

Watch a 20-minute film on the history of the church in the audiovisual room or browse the museum in the basement.

Join the line for the elevators to the top of the towers. Children under six, pregnant women and anyone with reduced mobility are not allowed up. There’s a steep and winding staircase back down.

Pick up souvenirs related to Gaudí’s work from two gift shops inside the church. Daily mass is conducted in Catalan and Spanish. Check the schedule for specific times and language.The church is open every day. Catch the bus or metro to get there.

It is best to buy tickets in advance online as lines can be long. Children younger than ten get in for free.

Plan a trip to see Sagrada Familia

Sercotel Porta Barcelona
Sercotel Sant Boi
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Reviews of Sagrada Familia

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
994
" "5 - Excellent 68.55172413793103%
4 - Good
385
" "4 - Good 26.551724137931036%
3 - Okay
57
" "3 - Okay 3.9310344827586206%
2 - Disappointing
12
" "2 - Disappointing 0.8275862068965517%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.13793103448275862%

4/5 - Good

Jason
25 Nov 2019

Recommend getting an audioguide rather than a guided tour as this gives you more flexibility of movement in a rather saturated space.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
23 Nov 2019

Only saw it from the outside though.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Nov 2019

Definitely get your tickets online beforehand

4/5 - Good

Patrick
31 Oct 2019

Book before you go

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Oct 2019

Audio guide we’ll worth the extra. Book early on line.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Oct 2019

Book before you go with a 'jump the line' guided tour. Very busy even in mid October.

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