Admission Times & Tickets
Open from 9am to 8pm, Sundays are the perfect day to visit Sagrada Familia &emdash; one of Barcelona’s most famous tourist attractions. Founded by architect Gaudi, the grandiose basilica has various towers, sculptures, and art in its richly decorated walls. Tickets for the Sagrada Familia can be bought online or at its ticket offices, with admission costing roughly 15 Euros. There’s also a Foundation Pass which is ideal for tourists who want to visit other attractions located nearby.
Details Of What To See
The Sagrada Familia features impressive stain glass windows that narrate the life of Jesus Christ, a hydraulicorgan, and a massive Nativity Facade featuring angels, animals, and stonework representing ancient and modern times. Inside, there’s 14 curved columns and a colorful array of sculptures and allegories, as well as a variety of winding stairways. Exterior features include the Passion Facade, Glory Facade, archways, and bell towers.
History & Facts
Architect Antoni Gaudi began the Sagrada Familia in 1882, initially calling it the Expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Familia. He worked on the structure until his death in 1926 and was buried in one of the ground-level chapels. Future generations have worked successfully over the past century to complete the project, designing it according to the original plans. It is still an ongoing work in progress with an estimated date of completion in 2026, the same year Gaudi’s work on the basilica began, making it approximately a century in the making.
Architecture & Design
Given its complex and intertwining design, the Sagrada Familia is often regarded as a work of art by visitors. Its linear, curved, and symmetrical details, as well as its mixture of imposing columns and light-filled spires, make for an impressive sight. Gaudi’s motivation for the design was to create a spiritual journey for the visitor, with each part of the structure telling a different story as they move through it. Gaudi was also inspired by nature and you can see views of flora and fauna around the basilica.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
The best time to visit the Sagrada Familia is early morning. The sun reflects off the intricate stone windows, making the structure look even more majestic. As the basilica opens at 9am, try to get there around 8am to get your tickets and start exploring right away. After admiring the ground-level features, take a tour of the towers for spectacular views. Spend around 3 hours exploring the space, before heading off in the afternoon.
The Future Of The Project
The Sagrada Familia can now be explored inside and outside, with many of the features that visitors come to see already complete. However, there’s still much work left to be done, such as the completion of the Passion Facade and the finalization of the central nave. Donations are accepted to accelerate the completion of the project and ongoing conservation initiatives that take place on the basilica regularly.
How To Get There
Getting to the Sagrada Familia is easy from the city centre. Take the metro to the nearest station and from there it’s only a 5-minute walk. Alternately, you can take a bus from any of the major hubs in the city and make sure to walk around the neighbourhood to appreciate the other sites.
Conclusion
Visiting the Sagrada Familia on a Sunday is an extraordinary experience. Open from 9am to 8pm, the ticket office and other attractions nearby are open for visitors. Beyond the typical sightseeing, the Sagrada Familia provides a unique spiritual journey with its intricate features found in the Passion Facade, Glory Facade, stain glass windows, sculptures and more. Immerse yourself in its history and beauty on your next visit.
