La Sagrada Familia (Church of the Sacred Family) is one of Gaudí’s most famous works and is a top our Best of Barcelona list. It’s an awe-inspiring Basilica that has been under construction since 1882. Gaudi was the second architect on the job and took over in 1883. Gaudí devoted the remainder of his life to the project, and he is buried in the crypt. The Basilica is due to be completed in 2026, 100 years after Gaudí died.
Book your tickets ahead of time!
This was by far the most impressive church I’ve ever seen. Walking around the facades of the Sagrada Familia could take you 1+ hours just looking at the at the detail and wondering about the engineering feats. Gaudí’s original design calls for a total of eighteen spires, representing in ascending order of height the Twelve Apostles, the Virgin Mary, the four Evangelists and, tallest of all, Jesus Christ. If you didn’t book early or only have limited time stop by for a quick walk around the massive Basilica. You won’t be disappointed.
I didn’t take my own advice and booked tickets late. We still lucked out with basic tickets but once we arrived I immediately had Tower FOMO… Don’t be like me and book ahead.
The inside of the La Sagrada Familia is even more impressive than the outside. The church plan is that of a Latin cross with five aisles. The central nave vaults reach forty-five meters (148 feet) while the side nave vaults reach thirty meters (98 feet). The transept has three aisles. The columns are on a 7.5 meter (25 ft) grid. The way the sunlight bounces off the stained glass means that the feel of the church changes with every passing hour.
Key Info
- Address: C/ Mallorca, 401, Barcelona 08013
- Website: Sagrada Famillia website
- Top views ticket: 29 euros (about $32.86), 27 euros ($30.60) for students; free for kids 11 and younger
- Hours vary check the website
- Duration 2 + hours (I could spend much longer)
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Pro Tip
- The Sagrada Familia is a Roman Catholic church and mass is held every Sunday morning at 9 am. The service lasts approximately 1 hour and is conducted in several languages. Spaces are limited and entrance is on a first come first served basis. If you want to attend mass you should be at the entrance in front of the Nativity Façade before 8:30.
- Visit everything on the Best of Barcelona list.
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