The most iconic and visited site in Barcelona, Spain is the spectacular and mystic Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, also known simply as La Sagrada. The church is a giant religious symbol for all locals and visitors of the city, with almost 4 million people visiting it each year. Entering and admiring this masterpiece can be a little tricky, so here is all the information you need.
What to expect inside
Not only is La Sagrada renowned for its architectural singularity, it’s also full of incredible details that you should not miss. From its original colorful myriad of stained glass windows, to the intricate stone carvings that decorate the rows of columns – the whole inside of this temple represent a beautiful and inspiring combination of light and shadows. To appreciate La Sagrada Família really requires its visitors to pause, reflect and observe the beauty of this place.
How to enter
Due to the popularity of Sagrada Família and its limited capacity, it is important to plan ahead. The ticket office opens at 8am and is located directly in front of La Sagrada. From there, visitors are able to line up, buy tickets (which include audio guides) and start the journey in the place.
For those wanting to skip the lines, there are two alternatives. The first is to purchase tickets online – this service is available in two languages (English and Catalan) and is about 20% cheaper than making the purchase in the ticket office.
The second option is to purchase a combined ticket, also known as “Gaudí & Barcelona Pass”, which includes entry to multiple attractions in the city. If you are planning to visit more than one attractions in the city, this pass may save you some time as it reduces the amount of lines and it is valid in over 20 attractions in Barcelona.
Tours
For tourists who want to get most out of their visit, La Sagrada offers daily guided tours in various languages throughout the week. The tours are led by professional and experienced guides, who can offer the visitor an insight in the history of La Sagrada and its multiple details, such as the stories behind stained glass windows and carvings. It is a great way to dive deeper in this incredible monument and be able to offer new perspectives to its visitors.
Admission Fee
The standard admission fee to La Sagrada Família is 15€ (18€ in its audio guided tour). Discounts are available for students, seniors and children, who can enter the temple for 10€ (13€ in its audio guided tour). Rented audio guides cost 6€ and are available in multiple languages, such as English, Spanish, French, Italy and German.
Timetable and opening days
La Sagrada is open 365 days of the year, closing only on January 1st and December 25th. Normal opening times are 9am to 6pm (last entry at 5pm, except for night visits), during March and October the opening times are from 8am to 8:30pm (last entry at 7:30pm). However, it is important to keep in mind that these times are subject to changes due to possible holidays and special events.
Why visit La Sagrada Família?
The true beauty of this site is being able to immerse in the spiritual experience that La Sagrada offers to all its visitors. From the intricate details of its interior, to the massive façade in its exterior, this religious site will undoubtedly leave a mark in everyone who’s visiting. On top of that, the incredible stories and secrets that have been carrying on since its beginning makes of La Sagrada one of the most interesting places in Barcelona.
Accessibility
La Sagrada offers various services for wheelchair users and for those of reduced mobility, with ramps and lifts throughout its structure. There is also a tent in the main courtyard that offers free use of wheelchairs, so visitors can easily get around the main attraction. Visually impaired visitors can ask special guided tours in Spanish, Catalan and Castilian.
Architecture
The massive and majestic presentation of La Sagrada Família has become a symbol and an icon of the city. This basilica has some of the most peculiar characteristics that are unique to the world, such a its doorless opening and its fruit-like, tower-spears. La Sagrada has become a symbol of the Catalan culture, because it combines in a unique way the traditions of the past with modern elements.
History
Although building works on La Sagrada began way back in 1882, this incredible landmark has only been completed in a few of its parts. The basilica has been under construction for more than 130 years and thanks to recent discoveries, we now know about the two main creators of this masterpiece. It was designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi and the artistic direction has been steered by the sculptor and architect Josep Maria Subirachs during its later years.
Symbolism
Throughout the construction of La Sagrada, Gaudi sought to reflect religious values in its design by combining both a scientific and a spiritual vision. The gigantic columns of the basilica are 16 in total, symbolizing the 12 apostles and 4 evangelists. In addition, both the eastern and western side have three ‘Nativity Facade’ and ‘Passion Facade’, while the center one is decorated with La Gloria.
Symbols of Nature
In La Sagrada, it’s easy to spot recurring diagrams and drawings inspired by nature throughout the whole temple. From the famous Gaudi-designed mosaic of sea turtle in one of the walls, to the use of various vegetable motifs in some of the innovative architectural solutions – nature is definitely present in the every corner of the basilica.
