Overview
Sagrada Familia is a magnificent yet enigmatic structure. Built-in the heart of Barcelona, this magnificent building draws millions of visitors every year, all hoping to experience the unique beauty and artistry of the structure. Visitors come from all around the world to witness this architectural masterpiece and many of them would like to learn how long they should plan to spend visiting the monument. As such, it is important to get a thorough understanding of what can be seen and experienced during a visit to Sagrada Familia.
History
The Sagrada Familia is a large Roman Catholic church that has been under construction for more than 130 years, with the foundation being laid in 1882 by architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. After the death of the renowned architect, the project was handed to the eccentric Catalan architect and sculptor Antonio Gaudi, who was later declared a genius for his masterpiece. Gaudi devoted the last years of his life to the unrealized project, with the last construction being done in 1926.
Since then many other artists and engineers have worked on the project, but it still remains incomplete despite the efforts. Currently run by the Sagrada Familia’s Foundation, you can still visit the church and experience the beauty of the structure while its completion is estimated to be sometime between 2026 (the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death) and 2032 in honor of the church’s 150th anniversary.
Exterior/Basics
Visiting the Sagrada Familia can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending upon what visitors would like to experience. When viewing the exterior of the church, visitors will be able to appreciate the magnificent structure and get a taste of what the finished building will look like. The exterior is adorned with innumerable details ranging from intricate sculptures and carvings to brightly coloured stained glass.
The church can be admired in all its grandeur before entering. Once inside, visitors will gain insight into the great amount of ornamentation that went into designing the building.
Interior/In-depth Tour
Visitors can also enjoy a deeper tour of the interior of the structure to gain a more in-depth knowledge of its history. The interior is just as stunning as its exterior, with soaring towers, intricately carved pillars, and tall ceilings filled with glorious stained glass. On the inside, you can observe the lacy walls and the glorious nooks and crannies of this incredible piece of art.
The in-depth tour begins in the Nativity Facade, an awe-inspiring structure with fantastical creatures covering the walls, depicting scenes from the Bible which Gaudi thought best represent the nativity. The tour also begins in the Crypt, where Gaudi and other renowned sculptors are buried and is considered to be the cornerstone of the church.
Visitors can witness the incredible artistry of Gaudi in several places such as the iconic spiral staircase, the Passion Facade and the inside of the towers. As visitors tour the structure, they can read the various inscriptions and look at the statuettes of saints, apostles and other distinguished characters.
Spires
Visiting the spires of the church is an absolute must. Standing up to 172 meters tall and crafted with extreme ingenuity and detail, the spires are a sight to behold. Gaudi had come up with an ingenious system of stairs that allowed visitors to reach the top of the church, though unfortunately due to the danger posed by the deteriorating buildings, the spires are closed for the time being.
To truly appreciate the magnificent view of the whole Barcelona city from the spires, visitors can also purchase tickets for the panoramic tour of the Sagrada Familia. This is the perfect way for visitors to experience all that the spires have to offer.
Museum
Visitors can enjoy a glimpse into the life and work of Gaudi and his artistic legacy in the form of an interactive museum. This museum includes all sorts of sketches, blueprints and drafts, giving visitors a chance to learn more about the genius behind the construction of this fabulous structure.
The museum also features various exhibits explaining Gaudi’s use of materials in the construction and design of the building as well as interactive elements that provide an insight into the intricate planning that went into creating this incredible work of art.
Duration
A typical tour of the Sagrada Familia lasts around two to three hours, though it really depends upon the interests of each individual visitor. Visiting the museum can take up to an hour and the in-depth tour can take up to two hours, depending on the visitor. Therefore, for a full experience, visitors should plan to spend around three hours exploring the beauty of the Sagrada Familia.
Time Management
Time management is key when visiting any attraction, especially the Sagrada Familia. Special attention should be paid to the time constraints when exploring the busy and popular attractions like the museum and spires as the queue for these sections can become incredibly long. Visitors should plan their visit accordingly to ensure they get the most out of their tour.
Tackling the Crowds
Navigating the countless crowds of the church can be challenging, so visitors should factor this into their plan of action. The easiest way to take on the busy Sagrada Familia is by visiting the church early in the morning when the crowds are relatively thin and the temperature is still cool. This allows visitors to take their time exploring the attractions without feeling rushed or overwhelmed with the sheer number of people.
Food/Recreation
The area around the Sagrada Familia has a plethora of restaurants and eateries, so visitors can definitely incorporate their break for lunch or dinner into their plans. There are also some recreational areas within the area, perfect for a quick stroll after a tiring tour of the church.
Visitors can find a variety of attractions to choose from in this part of Barcelona. From art galleries to cultural centers, there is plenty to explore. In fact, there are many different activities to partake in, so visitors can certainly extend their trip to the Sagrada Familia and make the most out of their visit to Barcelona.
Weather Tips
It is best to visit the Sagrada Familia during the cool seasons of either spring or fall when the temperature is mild and the crowds have thinned. During the hot days of summer, it can be quite uncomfortable to explore the church due to the crowds. The queues can become incredibly long because of the lack of air-conditioning and humidity.
For those who plan to stay for the entire duration of their visit in the summer, it is a good idea to bring sun hats and sunglasses, light clothing, and a bottle of water to stay cool and hydrated. Trying to get out of the heat is also a wise move, so visitors should incorporate various outdoor activities with their visit.
Conclusion
The Sagrada Familia is certainly worth visiting and it takes a while to get a full understanding of and appreciate the beauty of this enigmatic building. However, with proper planning and awareness of the various features and aspects of the place, visitors can make their visit to this incredible structure both enjoyable and memorable. With the tour of the church taking up to three hours and additional time to tackle crowds and explore the neighbourhood, visitors should plan to spend around four to five hours at this amazing attraction.
