Tickets & Tours – Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
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Is entrance to Sagrada Familia free?
No. Entrance to the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is not free, although children under 11, Sunday morning worshippers, and people with disabilities and their companions enjoy free entry. Even though La Sagrada Familia is a place of worship, tickets cost as much as for other similar world-class attractions (think upwards of €21 per person).
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Is there a dress code for La Sagrada Familia?
Yes. La Sagrada Familia is a place of worship, and respectful dress is important. The dress code mandates no see-through clothing and no swimwear, while trousers and skirts must cover the legs to mid-thigh. Celebratory clothing and promotional gear are also banned—leave the Halloween costumes and bachelorette outfits behind.
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Do you need reservations to visit the Sagrada Familia?
No, you don’t need reservations to visit the Sagrada Familia and can buy tickets using the QR codes around the basilica. But time slots are allocated and you may find no tickets available if you arrive without a reservation on weekends or during peak season. Most travelers book tickets in advance.
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What time of day is best to visit the Sagrada Familia?
As Barcelona’s star attraction, the Sagrada Familia draws travelers from around the globe year-round. However, the crowds tend to be thinnest on weekdays: Aim to arrive around 9am, when the site has just opened, to beat the group tours. Be aware of crowd-heavy public holidays, including school vacations.
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Is it worth buying tickets for the Sagrada Familia?
Yes. The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona’s signature attraction and an absolute must-see, and buying a timed ticket in advance guarantees you entry with minimal wait time. Having a fixed time slot also lets you plan your trip ahead of time and book other tours and attractions around your visit.
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Is the Sagrada Familia entrance free on Sundays?
Yes, but only if you are going to Mass. The Sagrada Familia opens free on Sunday mornings for locals and visitors who wish to attend the 9am international Mass, and there are some other religious celebrations by invitation over the year. Travelers who want to explore should buy tickets for after Mass.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What’s the best way to experience Sagrada Familia?
Q:
What are Sagrada Familia hours of operation?
A:
Sagrada Familia hours of operation: Opens at 9am daily; closing times vary by season (6pm Nov–Feb; 7pm March, Oct; 8pm April–Sept). Buy tickets in advance on Viator. If you book with Viator, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
Q:
Should I book Sagrada Familia tickets in advance?
A:
We recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot since Sagrada Familia can get crowded. If you book with Viator, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
Q:
How much does it cost to visit Sagrada Familia 2023?
A:
Currently, an entrance ticket to Sagrada Familia costs EUR 50. 00. Guided Sagrada Familia tours start around EUR 50.00 per person.
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La Sagrada Familia Tickets Online | Tower Access
Book Sagrada Familia tickets with best of the prices available. Get instant ticket confirmation, discount offers and avoid long lines with fast track access inside sagrada familia cathedral.
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La Sagrada Familia Tickets with Skip The Line Entrance
- Skip The Line Ticket for Sagrada
- Entrance to Sagrada Museum
- Admire the Facades & Interior
- No Access to Towers
Reviews: 35,834
4. 6/5
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Tickets for Sagrada Familia: Fast Track & Tower Access
- Complete Access to Sagrada Familia with Fast Track Tickets
- Sagrada Familia Tower Access
- Access to the museum
Reviews: 19,185
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€46.80
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Fast Track Guided Tour of Sagrada Familia
- Ticket to Sagrada Familia Basilica
- Guided Tour of Sagrada Familia
- Headset to hear the guide better
Popular Tour
5/5
Same Day Bookings
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The Gaudí Bundle: Sagrada Familia & Park Guell
- Skip the line entrance
- Sagrada Familia Tickets
- Park Guell Tickets
- Audio Guide for both Attraction
Reviews: 32,688
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Sagrada Familia Guided Tour with Tower Access
- Tour of Sagrada Familia
- Visit Passion Tower, Nativity Tower
- Tower access via elevator
- Access to Sagrada Familia Towers
Reviews: 6,403
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Barcelona: Sagrada Familia and Park Güell Tour
- Sagrada Familia Entrance Ticket
- Park Guell Entrance Ticket
- Tour Guide for Both Attraction
Reviews: 587
4. 7/5
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Sagrada Familia Combo Offers
Sagrada Família and Park Güell Guided Tour
Get combine guided tour by planning a visit to architect Antoni Gaudi’s other art piece, Park Güell along with Sagrada Familia Church. This discount offer includes a Park Guell and Sagrada Familia combo ticket with guided tour in available languages.
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Barcelona Gaudí Tour – Sagrada Familia, Park Guell & Casa Batlló
Get combine guided tour by planning a visit to architect Antoni Gaudi’s other art piece, Casa Battlo along with Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. This discount offer includes a standard ticket with a guide for both Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and Casa Battlo.
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Montserrat Monastery and Sagrada Familia Combo Tour
Explore the Benedictine abbey of Montserrat Monastery and learn why it has been a site of pilgrimage for centuries. Then, return to Barcelona and explore the outside and inside of Antoni Gaudí’s spectacular La Sagrada Familia.
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Types of Sagrada Familia Tickets
Sagrada Familia Standard Tickets
When purchasing a Sagrada Familia tickets online, this ticket will cost you €31. It is €18 for students, children, pensioners and Youth cardholders, and €16 for senior citizens. Tickets to Sagrada Familia are free for children under the age of 10.
Note: Sagrada Familia standard tickets are temporarily unavailable. There are only audio-guided tours available (ticket + audioguide) and you have to follow the route in only a single direction.
Sagrada Familia Skip the Line Tickets
You have to book the Sagrada Familia Skip the line tickets online in order to skip the line and avoid unnecessary long queues at the Basilica. Check out the official Sagrada Família website. It is a great place to get these tickets online. Another alternative is travel agencies or reseller websites for discounts or any offers that may get you a better deal.
Sagrada Familia Ticket with Tower
The Sagrada Familia ticket with Tower serves for access to Sagrada Família with an audio guide and entry to the towers where one gets an ideal view of the Sagrada Familia. Booking La Sagrada Familia tickets online will cost you €33 for the general ticket and below pay €31 for students. Sagrada Familia ticket price is €27 for seniors and free of cost for children under the age of 11.
Sagrada Familia Audio Guide Ticket
This ticket for Sagrada Família comes with an audio guide for you. The audio guides are available in a wide range of languages like English, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Catalan, Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese. The Sagrada Familia Audio Guide Ticket price is €26 for the general ticket and €24 for students. The entrance fee for seniors is €21 and free for children under the age of 11.
Booking Online Tickets Benefits
Barcelona’s trip is incomplete without a visit to the city’s most iconic monument, Sagrada Familia. Antoni Gaudí’s legendary Cathedral welcomes more than 4.5 million visitors and is considered to be the busiest attraction in the whole of Spain!
- Skip the line– To avoid waiting in long lines at the cathedral entrance, reserve Sagrada Familia fast track access tickets. Explore the attraction without the hustle and bustle!
- Ticket Booking– There are two options to buy Sagrada Familia tower tickets: either you can stand in long queues at the ticket office in the church or you can purchase ticket for Sagrada Familia online.
- Save Money- By booking Sagrada tickets online, you will not only save your time but also your money. So why waste your time when you can avoid all the hassle by just spending some minutes online.
Sagrada Familia Ticket Highlights – 2023
Instant Ticket Confirmation:
After a complete booking, you will receive an email confirmation. You will find all the necessary information regarding your visit. If you have any query, do not hesitate to reach the tour operator.
Fast Track Tickets:
With our fast track entrance ticket, enjoy skip the line access to Spain’s most visited attraction. Pass through a short security check and head straight inside Sagrada Familia with priority access. Save yourself from long waits!
Last Minute Ticket:
Even if you didn’t book La Sagrada Familia Tickets in Advance, do not despair. On this platform, you can find a selection of exclusive last-minute offers, rarely available anywhere else.
Easy Return Policy:
Has there been a change of plan? or you would like to return the ticket? Just contact the operator 24 hours before your visiting time and receive a full refund.
**Special conditions may apply. Please check the platform’s cancellations & refund FAQ.**
About Sagrada Familia
- Sagrada Familia Basilica
The Sagrada Família or the basilica of the Sagrada is a large unfinished Roman Catholic minor basilica located in the Eixample district of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was designed by the great Spanish/Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) and is today, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its construction started in 1882 and belongs to the Art Nouveau architecture style.
- Sagrada Familia Towers
Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia Towers are composed of 18 monumental spires. Out of these, twelve of them are dedicated to the Twelve Apostles and placed on the three façades of the Sagrada Familia. The other six spires are dedicated to Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Four Evangelists. Only eight are completed out of the 18 spires – four Apostles of the Nativity Façade and the four of the Passion Façade. The tallest spire is dedicated to Jesus Christ and will be surmounted by a giant cross that will reach the height of 170 metres.
- Sagrada Familia Museum
The Junta Constructora del Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família Foundation has been running the Gaudí House Museum since 1992. The building was designed by Francesc d’Assis Berenguer i Mestres, a close friend of the architect, and was intended to be a model home for the Park Güell development. This is also where the architect lived from 1906 to 1925. When Gaudi died in 1963, this house was opened to the public as the Gaudí House Museum.
- The Façades
The Sagrada Familia has three grand façades:
- The Nativity façade in the East – It bears the most direct Gaudí influence and was built before its construction was interrupted in 1935.
- The Passion façade in the West – It was built according to Gaudi’s design created in 1917. Its unique aspects are its gaunt, spare, Christ on the Cross, and tormented characters like emaciated figures of Christ being scourged at the pillar.
- The Glory façade in the South (unfinished) – It is the largest and most monumental of the three and represents one’s ascension to God.
Best Time To Visit Sagrada Familia
For the best photos: Visit the monument in the morning. Appreciate the beautiful stained-glass windows and the divine tranquillity. Or come in the pre-sunset evening. Although there may be more crowds, you get to experience the church in a unique magnetic environment.
For fewer tourists: Plan your visit for autumn or winter. April through the end of August, expect large crowds of tourists queueing towards the entrance to Gaudi’s basilica. If you are visiting Barcelona during this period, consider getting tickets with fast-track access to the attraction. Skipping the lines has never been more necessary!
Good To Know
Sagrada Familia Opening Hours 2023
The Sagrada Família has different opening hours during the whole of the year.
- November to February – from 9 am to 6 pm.
- March – from 9 am to 7 pm.
- April to September – from 9 am to 8 pm.
- October – from 9 am to 7 pm.
Sagrada Familia Address
Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona
GPS coördinates: 41°24′ 13″ N 2°10′ 28″ E
Sagrada Familia Tickets and Tour FAQs
How do I get tickets to Sagrada Familia?
There are several ways to buy Sagrada Familia church tickets.
Of course, you can purchase basic tickets at the attraction’s ticket office. However, due to the Sagrada Familia’s high popularity, be ready to stand in line.
Another way would be to book online tickets Sagrada Familia offers. With them, gain priority access to the attraction!
How much time do you need at Sagrada Familia?
Generally speaking, visitors spend about one hour inside the basilica and approximately 30 minutes to an hour in the Gaudi museum.
With your Sagrada Familia Cathedral tickets, you are free to explore the monument for as much as you like. Its cost will vary with the number of people in small groups, large group or individual.
Can you take pictures inside Sagrada Familia?
Yes, it is allowed to both take pictures and record videos inside the church.
Can the Sagrada Familia be safely visited post-COVID-19?
It is absolutely safe to visit the Sagrada Familia post-COVID-19 as they have machines installed to purify the air and make the environment hygienic. They also keep a single and direct line of the tour with everyone being handed over sanitizers. Entry is prohibited without a mask.
Can the Sagrada Familia tickets be purchased on the day of the tour itself?
It is recommended to book your visit at least 5-7 days prior in order to make sure your desired time slot is available.
What guidelines does one have to follow to cancel the Sagrada Familia tickets?
It is recommended to cancel your tickets to the Sagrada Familia within 5 days of booking. If you take more than 5 days, you will receive only 80% refund of the total cost of the tour.
Will I have to wait in line before entering?
As the Sagrada Família is the no. 1 visit attractions in Barcelona , you will face long queues. The only way to skip the line is to book your tickets in advance.
What is the validity of the Sagrada Familia tickets?
The basic ticket of the Sagrada Familia grants a validity of the whole 24 hours when the tour is taking place. It expires the next day.
How early can one purchase the tickets before the tour?
The Sagrada Familia tickets can be bought two months before the visit. It is advisable to buy it as early as possible to avoid any hassle.
Is an individual allowed to access the Sagrada Familia Towers?
The Sagrada Familia Tower visit comes with a special access ticket that includes tower access and is not included with the standard admission ticket.
In how many languages does the audio-guide to Sagrada Familia come?
The tours of the Sagrada Familia are available in sixteen languages: English, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Catalan, Castilian, Russian, Dutch, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, and Hungarian.
Is there free access to Sagrada Familia on Sundays?
Every Sunday at 9:00 AM there is a mass gathering at the basilica of the Sagrada Familia. It is advisable to go there in advance as the entrance is free but the capacity is limited.
Is photography allowed inside Sagrada Familia?
Yes, photography is allowed inside the Basilica so make sure to capture the intricate architecture and beautiful stained glass work inside.
Does one have to follow a particular dress code for Sagrada Familia?
There is no particular dress code but it is appropriate if one wears a T-shirt, shirt, blouse, or jacket that covers the shoulders and the midriff. Shorts or skirts should be till the knees. Plunging necklines, sheer clothing, and going barefoot are not allowed.
Are bags allowed inside Sagrada Familia?
If you want to go inside La Sagrada Familia, please be advised that you will have your bags, luggage, and personal items checked. Avoid carrying large bags as it will consume time and will be inconvenient at the security check area.
Are short outfits allowed inside Sagrada Familia?
The dress code isn’t that strictly enforced at Sagrada Familia and it is common seeing people wear skirts and shorts.
Things to Visit Near Sagrada Familia
- Gaudí Avenue
Gaudi Avenue is a vacation apartment that is a hidden gem in Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia district. It is a 4-bedroom apartment with a chic design and stunning views. It is located at a 5-minute distance down the street from the famous La Sagrada Familia and the best restaurants and most famous sites of Barcelona.
- Sant Pau Art Nouveau
The Sant Pau Art Nouveau site is just a short walk away from the Sagrada Familia and is considered as one of the most interesting historical and architectural attractions in Barcelona. It was built at the start of the 20th century and comprises a total of 27 Art Nouveau buildings. As recently as 2009, it was functioning as a working hospital.
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Sagrada Familia, Barcelona – how to get there and cost
Sagrada Familia – perhaps the most famous temple in Barcelona, and throughout the world. It is still under construction, dating back to 1882. This is the most iconic work of the architect Antonio Gaudí, to which he devoted his entire life.
The full name of this temple is the Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family (Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família).
Despite the fact that the Sagrada Familia is an unfinished temple, since 2010 worship services have been held in it.
- Temple construction history
- Temple architecture
- Church interior
- Operating time
- Ticket price for the Sagrada Familia
- How to get to the Sagrada Familia
- Map of attractions
The history of the construction of the temple
The Sagrada Familia temple is built exclusively on private donations. That was the original intention.
The first stone in the construction of the temple was laid on March 19, 1882, although the idea of its creation dates back to 1874.
The first architect of the temple was Francisco de Paulo del Villar, who in 1877 was commissioned to build it. His project was conceived as a neo-Gothic basilica in the form of a cross. But a year after the start of construction work, when only the crypt was completed, Francisco left the project due to disagreements with the organizers and the consulting architect. Further construction was entrusted to Antonio Gaudí.
The original design changed during construction. As soon as sudden large donations arrived, new ideas arose in Gaudí’s head, radically changing and supplementing the original project. The final architectural solution appeared only by 1923.
By the end of 1925, the 100-meter bell tower of the Nativity facade was completed. This is the only bell tower built during Gaudí’s lifetime. In 1926, Antonio Gaudi, who devoted more than 40 years of his life to the construction of the Sagrada Familia, died, but his associates and associates took up the project, and construction continues to this day.
Work on the construction of the temple was suspended due to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 and a strong fire that occurred in the same year, which destroyed many drawings and sketches of Gaudí. Fortunately, later some of the drawings were restored, and work continued.
Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
According to the builders, the temple is scheduled to be completed by 2026, the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death. But many experts are skeptical about the agreed date and do not believe in such a completion date. Moreover, there is an opinion that construction does not need to be stopped at all and Sagrada Familia should be made a permanent structure.
Architecture of the temple
The church has the form of a Latin cross (the transverse part crosses the longitudinal one at a right angle, dividing it into two unequal parts).
The temple has several facades, each of which is decorated in a unique way.
Facade of the Nativity (northern façade)
The façade of the Nativity was largely completed during Gaudí’s lifetime. Its portals are decorated with sculptural compositions telling about the earthly life of Jesus. The facade is made in the form of three portals: on the left – the portal of Hope, in the center – the portal of Mercy and on the right – the portal of Faith.
Above the central portal of the scene “The Birth of Jesus”, “The Adoration of the Shepherds and Magi”. On the sides are trumpeting angels announcing the birth of Jesus. Above the gate is an image of the Star of Bethlehem, illuminating the birth scene with light. At the very top is the scene “The Wedding of the Virgin Mary”.
Facade of the Nativity of Christ
The left portal is decorated with scenes of the betrothal of Mary and Joseph, the Massacre of the Innocents, and the flight into Egypt.
If you look at the right portal, you can see the scenes “Jesus working in the workshop”, “Jesus and the Pharisees” and others.
All the statues are life-sized and, according to sources, each character had a live sitter who posed for Gaudí. Even figurines of birds and animals were made from casts of specially euthanized or dead animals.
Façade of the Passion of Christ (south façade)
This façade is located on the opposite side of the Nativity façade. Unlike the first one, it is less elegant and contains fewer sculptural compositions and fine artistic details. Firstly, this facade was built half a century later than the Nativity facade and looks more modern. It is possible that the restraint of the facade is due to the theme of its design. After all, passion is interpreted as suffering.
In the central part, the path to Golgotha and the crucifixion of Christ. Below it is a gate, the doors of which are covered with quotes from the Bible.
Façade of the Passion of Christ
In the lower left part there is a scene of betrayal by Judas, who, for a reward of 30 pieces of silver, kisses Jesus, indicating to the guards that this is exactly the person they are looking for. The symbol of betrayal is represented by a snake writhing behind them.
Next to the sculptural composition of Jesus and Judas there is a “magic” square with the number 33, the age of Christ’s death. The sum of the digits of any vertical column, horizontal row and main diagonals is 33.
Façade of Glory (East façade)
This glass and concrete façade is not finished yet. And, according to the plan, it will become the main entrance to the Sagrada Familia. Stairs and bridges have been designed to the entrance, but they must be placed on the site where residential buildings now stand. This is another unresolved problem on the way to completion.
Towers of the temple
The design of the temple provides for a total of 18 towers. 12 towers (three from each facade) personify the apostles. Their height is from 98 to 120 meters. The central 172-meter massive tower, which should be crowned with a giant cross, is dedicated to Jesus Christ. It is surrounded by four 135-meter Evangelist towers. And another slightly smaller tower of the temple – the tower of the Virgin Mary, above the apse (altar).
Each tower is a bell tower and is made with many specially designed windows through which the bell ringing should be carried and be clearly heard throughout the neighborhood.
Sagrada Familia
The interior of the temple
Some of the interior elements of the temple were made by Gaudí during his lifetime. Many design details look like arches, ellipsoids, hyperbolas. For load-bearing structures, Gaudi used hyperboloids, twisted, round and branching columns. The whole structure is subject to clear geometric laws and looks very harmonious. Many elements are made in the form of trees, stars, leaves. The intertwining parts of the supports are made so elegantly that it is not completely clear what they have more: artistic or functional meaning.
Another thing that amazes visitors is the abundance of light. Many windows and stained-glass windows, through which the sun’s rays penetrate, refract and scatter, flood the interior of the temple with light.
The temple is beautiful both outside and inside. If you find yourself in Barcelona, be sure to visit this place. Even if you decide not to go inside, you will experience indescribable emotions walking around this architectural masterpiece and looking at its facades.
Another reason to visit the Sagrada Familia is the opportunity to visit the tomb of Antonio Gaudí. The architect is buried in the crypt of the temple.
Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
Opening hours
Sagrada Familia is open all year round. The entrance for tourists opens daily at 9 am, but the closing time depends on the season.
November – February | 9:00 – 18:00 |
March | 9:00 – 19:00 |
April – September | 9:00 – 20:00 |
October | 9:00 – 19:00 |
December 25-26, January 1 and 6 | 9:00 – 14:00 |
Hours and days of operation may be changed by management due to special events taking place within the temple.
The ticket office closes thirty minutes before the church closes.
Ticket price for Sagrada Familia
Tickets for the Sagrada Familia temple can be bought at the box office (on the day of the visit) or online at a convenient day and time. Tickets can be purchased online up to 2 months prior to the date of visit. An additional fee is taken at the box office, so buying tickets on the sagradafamilia.org website is more profitable.
Ticket to the Sagrada Familia
- Adult ticket – 26 euros
- Senior citizens – 21 euros
- Students and persons under 30 years old – 24 euros
You can buy a ticket to visit with a guide, but there are no guides who speak Russian. Spanish, English, German, French available. A group of 30 people is recruited for the tour. After the tour, you can continue to explore the temple on your own.
Ticket to the Sagrada Familia with tower climb
Only one of the towers can be chosen for the visit (the tower on the Passion facade or the tower on the Nativity facade).
The audio guide is included in the ticket price. The audio guide is available in several languages, including Russian. The audio guide is available for children over 11 years of age. The audio tour lasts 45 minutes. There is an express audio guide for 25 minutes. After the tour with an audio guide, you can continue to explore the temple on your own.
- Full ticket price – 33 euros
- Senior citizens – 27 euros
- Disabled people – 8 euros
- Students and persons under 30 years old – 31 euros.
Persons under 30 can visit the Sagrada Familia with a half price ticket. The promotion is valid on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 2 hours before closing.
Children under 11 attend the temple free of charge (one child can go free with one adult. If there are more children, one ticket must be purchased for each pair of children).
Basic ticket to the Sagrada Familia
This is a promotion that allows you to visit the Sagrada Familia at a reduced price. The peculiarity of this ticket is that it is valid only for 2 hours before the closing of the temple and does not include an audio guide.
- Full ticket – 20 euros
- Students – 18 euros
- Children under 11 years old – free of charge
How to get to the Sagrada Familia
You can get to the Sagrada Familia by public transport, including the metro. You need to get off at the Sagrada Familia station of the same name:
- metro (Sagrada Familia, L2 or L5).
- Bus No. 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50, 51, B20 and B24.
Read more about the fare in the article “Transport in Barcelona”.
If you live in the center, you can easily get there on foot. Near the Sagrada Familia there is another attraction – Sant Pau Hospital (it is only 400 meters away).
Address Sagrada Familia: Barcelona, Mallorca, 401.
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Sant Pau Hospital >>
Sagrada Familia: the history of the creation of a great temple – Sights of Catalonia
Travelers who first come to Barcelona are covered with inexplicable awe and endless admiration for its symbol and main attraction – the grandiose Sagrada Familia Cathedral.
Indeed, standing in front of this beautiful architectural masterpiece, walking through the huge halls, there is an insatiable desire to kneel before the immense talent of its creator, a true genius, devoted to death with the soul and heart of his Catalonia, Antonio Gaudi.
It is noteworthy that the construction of the Sagrada Familia began without the participation of Gaudí and, unfortunately, will end without him.
The history of the small papal basilica goes back to 1881, when the God-fearing Spanish bookseller José Maria Bocabella Verdaguer, who returned from the Vatican, proposed the idea of building some analogue of the majestic temples of the Vatican in his homeland. For these purposes, he founded an association to raise funds for the construction of the cathedral. In addition, this idea was actively supported by the religious community of the Society of St. Joseph.
In 1882, the municipal authorities of Barcelona allocated a site for construction on the outskirts of the Eixample district. Since it was supposed to use the funds of the aforementioned community and donations from ordinary citizens for the construction of the temple, it was obviously supposed to lay a small budget for the construction. At one of the meetings of the Barcelona City Council, the famous architect and sculptor Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano offered to prepare a project for the future cathedral free of charge.
Chapter 1: Laying the stone
The temple was planned to be built in 10 years. Change of architect to cheaper Gaudí
March 19, 1882, when Barcelona celebrated St. Joseph’s Day, the bishop consecrated the place for the temple and laid its first stone. Construction has begun.
The project proposed by Villar combined both the observance of the traditions of Christian temple building and cost savings relevant to the situation. That is why a small, and, moreover, a neo-Gothic cathedral was supposed to be built in 10 years.
However, things did not go as planned. Although already in the summer of 1882 about fifty people were involved in the construction, the construction manager Villar finally quarreled with the church council because of a very banal and prosaic circumstance – financing the work.
Thus, the council sought to cut costs by purchasing cheap building materials that Villar considered unacceptable to use. His salary also suffered. In the end, both the supreme architect himself and the church council began to look for another person for the position of head of the construction of the temple.
Suddenly, a talented young man, a former student of Villar himself, Antonio Gaudi, came into the view of militant groups. The latter experienced the greatest delight at the prospect of leading the construction of a grandiose Catholic cathedral in his homeland. He proposed to the church council an extremely bold project, which left only the foundation from the previous developments of his teacher. The church council unconditionally approved the candidacy of Gaudí. Because for them he turned out to be a “cheaper” worker than the eminent Villar.
Chapter two: Gaudí inspired
The wind will sing here, and the bells will sound like an organ…
Starting from 1884, Gaudí was officially appointed the head of the construction of the Sagrada Familia or the Temple of the Absolution, as the architect himself called it. For Antonio, the construction of the cathedral was not just a job – it was some kind of occupation for the soul of a deeply religious person. In such a vocation, he saw a purpose from above, and therefore, all these 44 years, he devoted himself entirely to work.
According to Gaudí’s own vision, the Sagrada Familia temple was supposed to become a kind of unification of the earthly and the heavenly, a link between God and people.
In this light, the construction was grandiose. No joke: 18 towers with ornate patterns and a huge central dome, towering 170 meters above the ground. The structure of the roof over the central hall was planned to be done in such a way that in its slot the sound of the bell would be carried like an organ, and the breath of the wind would resemble singing. By the way, even the bells for the cathedral were cast according to a special drawing of the architect – an unusual elongated shape.
It is noteworthy that in the cathedral itself, Gaudí laid the magnificent idea of a different understanding of the Christian religion and faith. Over the long years of the medieval Inquisition, the Catholic Church denigrated itself to such an extent that it aroused not reverence among believers, but wild fear. The great architect believed that religion is light and good. Therefore, he designed the interior of the church to be bright, iridescent and blooming.
Antonio Gaudi not only preached Christian principles, but also actively implemented them during the construction. So, he allowed workers to plant vegetable gardens in areas near the construction site, transferred elderly workers to less difficult work, and he himself huddled in a small closet right on the construction site and went to confession every evening.
It is noteworthy that the great construction was visited by many high-ranking persons, in particular King Alfonso, Infanta Isabella, papal nuncio in Spain, Albert Schweitzer, and philosopher Miguel de Unamuno. With all of them, Gaudi kept himself dry, cold and, despite their displeasure, spoke exclusively in Catalan.
There are legends about Gaudi’s scrupulous attitude to every small detail of the interior and exterior of the temple. So, the stone statues decorating the facades of the building had to be raised and lowered many times from an incredible height for refinement. At the same time, all biblical heroes were not made at random, but from nature – Gaudi was posed by real people, whom he himself carefully selected from his environment.
Chapter three. Death of the Master
In 1900, a team led by Gaudí managed to complete the central façade of the Nativity, part of the interior walls, the chapel and the crypt, and worked on the façade of the Passion of Christ. When the first four bell towers soared into the sky above the cathedral, the irreparable happened – the life of the great inspirer and creator of the Sagrada Familia ended tragically.
After the death of the architect, his close friend Dominc Surganes continued the great work according to the drawings of Gaudí himself. Under his leadership, the towers of the Nativity facade were completed, as well as the ceramic cypress branch that adorns the central entrance.
In 1936, a civil war broke out in Spain, which destroyed some of the valuable documents and construction drawings in its fires.
And although in 1939 work on the construction of the cathedral resumed under the leadership of Frances de Paula Quintana y Vidal, they were carried out rather at random. Each subsequent architect sought to complete Gaudi’s masterpiece, but was afraid to spoil something in the original plan. That is why, and also because of the lack of funds, the work was carried out at ant speed.