Understanding Sagrada Familia Opening Hours
The majestic Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona, Spain, is one of the most iconic and recognizable architectural wonders in the world. But confused or unaware visitors may not know when it opens and closes. From its uniqueness to the helpful free audio guides available, here are a few important things to know about visiting this incredible landmark.
The basilica was designed by the famed architect Antoni Gaudi, who had great plans for the building to serve as a milestone for the Catalonians, who dreamed of a modern European cathedral without precedent. Construction began in 1882 and continues today, with completion estimated to happen sometime in the 2020s. When the building is finished, it will become the tallest religious monument in Europe.
The opening hours are Monday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with last admission thirty minutes prior to closing. During certain long public holidays (namely Easter, Christmas, and New Year), the basilica remains open, but hours may be modified.
The Sagrada Familia is run by volunteers and donations, but most visitors choose to pay the 20-euro entrance fee. This guarantees access to the basilica, including access to the nave, the expiatory museum, audio guide, and personal headset. Another 10-euro fee can be added to access the towers, which is highly recommended for sweeping views of the entire city.
Some visitors may find lines to be overwhelming at times. It’s best to try and reserve tickets online to save time, otherwise expect to be waiting in line up to two hours during the peak season. Reservations can be made through the website Sagradafamilia.Booking-System.net/en
Experts suggest that readers research a bit before heading over, to help maximize the visit to the church. Mental Floss published a comprehensive guide to visiting What to Know Before Visiting the Sagrada Familia, while BBC Travel suggests a Full Day Tour of Sagrada Familia to capture the full essence of Gaudi’s genius.
When you witness the hallowed halls of this basilica, it’s easy to lose track of time. Inside may be enchanting and memorable, so much so that there might not be enough time for the bell tower. Yet, the mesmerizing beauty of Gaudi’s unique design make it well worth the visit, no matter what time you arrive.
Modern Art Intertwined With History
Gaudi imbued the Sagrada Familia with modernist art, which makes it stand out among other churches. The overall design is a mix of Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture, telling a story of its own. Gaudi wanted to inspire visitors with Barcelona’s rich cultural history, intertwined with a contemporary design.
From the spires, stained-glass windows, rose windows, murals and sculptures, every element of the basilica was carefully crafted by experts. Some of the most impressive sections include the Pavement of Creation and the Glade of the Passion. It’s thought that each of these intricate constructions was crafted by Gaudi himself, as well as many renowned local artisans.
Despite it being incomplete for the last century and a half, the basilica is still revered and worshipped by Barcelona’s devout Catholics and admirers from around the world. It has over four million visitors every year and continues to be a primary source of spiritual pilgrimage, in addition to its other many wonderful attractions and amenities.
The Sagrada Familia is and will remain one of Barcelona’s impressive symbols for centuries. Its transformative and magical nature truly makes it a place worthy of awe and appreciation.
Opportunities To Get Close To Nature
What many people don’t know is that the Sagrada Familia doesn’t just have historical and architectural value; but it is also nestled within a beautiful natural setting that offers a great opportunity to learn more about the environment. The grounds are full of educational activities and scenes, such as the Labyrinth of Nature. The Labyrinth is a great way to understand nature as a whole, but also offers a great introduction to the culture and people of Barcelona.
The area, surrounding the basilica, also offers the possibility to take part in guided tours with the urban beekeepers of the area, the ‘abellaires’ de Barcelona. These passionate beekeepers explain and offer the visitors the opportunity to discover the real life of bees firsthand, with their fascinating work and symbiotic relationship that they share with their surrounding environment.
The activities are available year-round, regardless of the time of year and the opening hours of the basilica. The Sagrada Familia is also home to many outdoor events, including musical performances and theatre shows, which really bring the Basilica to life, and make sure each visit is just as special and memorable as the last.
Unique Photography Experiences
Aside from the biblical history and spiritual significance that the Sagrada Familia imparts to visitors, it is also a destination for photographers seeking new angles and features to add to their portfolios. Professional photographers can be found at the basilica more so than almost any other landmark in Spain.
Whether one brings their own professional equipment or takes advantage of the amazing tours available, the view of the spires, columns, sculptures, and stained glass windows make for an incredible photo op. It’s no wonder the Sagrada Familia is one of the top spots for photographers when visiting Barcelona.
The Sagrada Familia also provides many opportunities for family portrait sessions and engagement shoots. There are countless settings to capture the perfect temperate. Taking pictures is favored by visitors during the daytime, but beauty unfolds at night as well. While inside, visitors have the chance to use flash photography and pose alongside the incredible architecture while picking up helpful tips from the knowledgeable staff.
The Possibility to Explore Gaudi’s Private Chapel
Gaudi’s Private Chapel is a side chapel that is separate from the basilica, but still part of the larger construction. Located in the Nativity façade, the room is filled with statues, stunning stained glass windows, ceramics, and intricate mosaics. It’s said to be one of Gaudi’s most personal spaces, that he was inspired by the divine beauty of nature to create something special.
At the center of the chapel is a wooden altar bound in walnut residue, crafted in the form of a cross by Gaudi himself. Additionally, Gaudi crafted a chair to go along with the altar, nicknamed ‘Gaudi’s Chair.’ It is often highly sought after by admirers of Gaudi’s works, as it is believed to be the last original piece of furniture he was able to craft before the end of his life.
The small chapel is home to many wonderful paintings and sculptures, some of them created by Gaudi himself. Of course, these works of art are important not just aesthetically, but they are also pieces of history. Much of the art is used to represent the struggles of Christ and other iconic religious figures.
Discovering Gaudi’s Insights From the Tower
One of the basilica’s main attractions is its towers, the tallest standing over 500 feet. Many visitors pay the extra to go up the towers and if the weather permits, glimpse around the entire city. But the view is even more impressive from inside the towers, with incredible marble and stone carvings to discover.
In the towers visitors can even discover Gaudi’s hidden work of art, along with a magnificent view of his unfinished masterpiece. It’s thought that Gaudi designed the four towers with the idea of representing Jesus and the four Gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Each tower is configured differently and visitors can have a closer look, discover the hidden messages, and maybe even get a glimpse of some of the other works of art specifically designed by Gaudi.
Most visitors finish their tour of the towers by visiting the Plaza Espana, a square known for its remarkable fountain and picturesque walkways. The plaza is home to many masterpieces of Barcelona’s architectural past, and with the Sagrada Familia in view, the overall experience transcends time and transports visitors to a world of tranquility and beauty.
