The Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces. Although construction began in 1882, the church remains unfinished to this day. In this article, you'll discover why the Pope bestowed a special honorary title on the church and what there is to explore.

The Sagrada Familia is arguably the most famous church in Barcelona and one of the city's most important landmarks.

While taking a stroll through the neighborhoods of Barcelona, you won't be able to miss it, as its stunning towers rise over 100 meters high, dominating all nearby buildings. The magnificent and detailed facades make the Sagrada Familia the highlight of the entire city. The fact that the church, whose construction began in 1882, is still not finished today hardly detracts from this monumental sight.

Guru Tip: Wait times can be very long depending on the season and time of day, so it's best to arrive in the early morning hours when the chances of entering the Sagrada Familia without waiting are greatest. To be safe and avoid long queues on site, you can purchase tickets in advance with fast-track entry. This will save you time and unnecessary stress.

You can book a Skip the Line ticket for the Sagrada Familia here starting at €26.70 per person:

There is always construction happening on some facade of the Sagrada Familia. The city's ambitious goal: By the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudí's death in 2026, the construction of the Sagrada Familia should finally be completed after 144 years.

During this long construction period, various architectural styles have naturally blended together. Elements of Gothic Revival, Modernisme, and Modern architecture can be admired in and on the building, especially on the two facades of the church. The style in which the Sagrada Familia has been built to this day is unique in the world. You won't find a comparable church building anywhere else.

The Nativity Facade on the northeast side of the basilica, which Gaudí dedicated to his life's work, depicts the birth of Jesus and parts of his life.

The attention to detail suggests why the decoration of this facade has taken so long. Three portals symbolize the Christian virtues of faith, love, and hope and encompass this biblical story. This is the facade that has largely been built by Gaudí himself, showcasing his unmistakable style. The bell towers of the Nativity Facade were completed only after Gaudí's death.

The Passion Facade on the southwest side of the church is the exact opposite of the Nativity Facade. Instead of rich decorations, you will find clear structures and large figures. The six slanted columns that support the facade are particularly striking. Even the different styles indicate: This was not the same master at work. In 1986, sculptor Josep Maria Subirachs began decorating the Passion Facade, and the work is far from complete. The work on the Glory Facade on the southeast side of the Sagrada Familia has not even started yet; it is planned to include 21 columns and two chapels. Therefore, the majestic Sagrada Familia will continue to grow and change until 2026 - there will always be new reasons for you to visit this architectural wonder.

In addition to the facades, the towers, which even partially overshadow the facades, are also under construction. Eight of the planned 18 towers, dedicated to the 12 Apostles, the Evangelists, as well as Mary and Jesus Christ, are already standing and can even be visited from the inside. If you have enough endurance, you can access the towers via a steep spiral staircase without handrails; otherwise, you can of course take the elevator, which quickly takes you up. The towers are connected by bridges, so once you reach the top, you can visit all the towers without needing to descend again.

If you get a regular ticket for the Sagrada Familia, the tower visit is not included. However, you can conveniently book tickets with tower access in advance:

If you think that the grandeur of the facades cannot be surpassed, you should definitely take the time to view the basilica from the inside. Once you enter the basilica, its size and colorful splendor will astonish you.

The thick columns are made from different materials, which also vary in thickness and structure. All columns converge under the roof of the church, resembling the crown of a tree. Gaudí was often inspired by nature, which is why these elements can be found repeatedly in his works.

The entire scenario is perfectly illuminated by the light that shines through the colored stained glass windows. The centerpiece of the interior is the elevated altar with a canopy adorned with grapevines. Behind the altar, the Christmas facade shines, which, with its bright colors, is also a feast for the eyes. By the way: There is still a search for an organ that can fill the entire basilica with sound, as such an instrument does not yet exist.

Good to know: This enormous altar area hosted the dedication of the church as a papal Basilica minor in 2010. This dedication is an honorary title for churches. The fact that the Sagrada Familia received this title without being completed speaks volumes about its stunning architecture.

If you have the opportunity, you should also visit the crypt located beneath the Sagrada Familia.

This part of the building is completed, and regular services are held, so it may happen that the crypt is not open to visitors. Antoni Gaudí was also buried here in 1926 after contributing significantly to the completion of the Sagrada Familia. Additionally, the city dedicated a museum to him right in the basilica, where you can learn more about his working methods.

When you visit the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, you are not just viewing a great church but also a piece of the city's history. The basilica is an absolute must for me, so don't be discouraged by the potential wait time; it's definitely worth it! If you want to explore the entire city, it's worth getting the Barcelona City Pass, as it grants you free admission to several sightseeing attractions and additional great discounts.