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The amazing basilica of the Sagrada Familia is located in the Eixample district, the new neighborhood built in the late nineteenth century.
It is one of the most spectacular and evocative works of the great architect Antoni Gaudí, the most famous Catalan Modern Art Style architect.
The Sagrada Familia was his most ambitious project, to which he dedicated body and soul, becoming his masterpiece and obsession till the end of his days.
Although this is an unfinished church, Gaudi ’s original work was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO: the Chapel of the Rosary, the crypt, where the architect is buried and the Nativity façade. These are the most characteristic and amazing parts of the Church, but the whole basilica is definitively a must-see during your visit of Barcelona.
Every small detail of the masterpiece building has a specific meaning, some of them religious.
The Sagrada Familia often have very long lines at the entrance. It is highly recommended to book a guided tour or an online ticket.
Tickets
Ticket rates
- Adults: €15
- Students: € 3
- Free admission: Children until 10 years
You can also buy a combined ticket if you want to also visit the Gaudi House Museum located in Park Guell.
Visit to the towers
La Sagrada Familia offers the opportunity to enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the city up to the top of its bell towers. For security reasons is only accessible by elevator.
Ticket rate for the towers : €3
Buy your ticket online and profit from the discounted price.
How to get there
You can easily get to the Sagrada Familia by public transport, as it is located in one of the most central and well-connected areas of the city, l'Eixample.
Public transport
Metro: L2 and L5, Sagrada Familia stop. L3, Verdaguer stop.
Buses: 10 19 33 34 43 44 50 51
History of Sagrada Familia
Although the temple of La Sagrada Familia is still under construction it is definitely worth a visit.
The idea of this monumental church came from the bookseller Josep Maria Bocabella, who wanted to build a temple dedicated to the Sagrada Familia completely based on donations.
The first architect that tried to realise the project was Francisco del Villar y Lozano, who planned a neogothic church. After several problems with the council, he abandoned the project. Gaudí started his works in 1883, changing completely the design of its predecessor.
Gaudí’s idea was to build the perfect temple that could be seen from outside the city through different perspectives.
Symbology of La Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia built by Gaudí is, as the rest of his works, infused with spiritual and even esoteric symbols.
The exterior symbolizes the universal church, represented by the apostles (the four towers in each facades), as well as scenes from the Bible.
The facades are an allegory to Christ’s human life, from birth to death. What should be the third and main façade of the basilica dedicated to the resurrection of Jesus is still under construction.
Nativity facade
Gaudí completed only one side before his death in 1926. It is undoubtedly the most significant side of the temple, known as the Nativity façade .
This facade is facing the sunrise , at Calle Marina and it symbolize happiness due to the birth of Christ. There is not a single free space on the walls, Gaudì wanted to represent the overwhelmedness of life through the various decorations.
Passion Facade
This facade is located on Sardenya street facing West. Although its structure follows the architect’s original design, it was entirely built after Gaudi’s death.
This side is representing Jesus death and because of that it has only a few ornaments to present it in a more dramatic way. Nevertheless, it is been decorated with some beautiful sculptures by Josep Maria Subirachs.
Interior
When entering the Sagrada Familia it is inevitable to feel overwhelmed by the impressive height of its towers and columns symbolizing trees in a huge allegorical forest.
When you will enter you fill find yourself immersed in the amazing universe of Gaudí, a fantasy work from his amazing creativity.