The Sagrada Família is a Spanish-built masterpiece that draws crowds of people from all over the world. When contemplating the highest tower to climb in this iconic structure, the decision can be daunting. Within the Sagrada Família, there are four majestic towers: the tower of St. James, the tower of St. Peter, the Nativity façade tower, and the Passion façade tower. Each of these towers has intricate details that make it unique, as well as specific characteristics that will surely appeal to every visitor.
The tower of St. James, at 91.6 metres tall, is the highest tower and draws visitors from around the globe who want to explore the highest point in the city of Barcelona. To construct the tower of St. James, architect Antoni Gaudí used a two-dimensional frame with a spiral-shaped construction. This design allows for an incredible view of the whole city. While climbing the tower, visitors can also take in the frescoes and mosaics within the tower. While there is a fee to climb the tower, the experience is well worth it.
The tower of St. Peter—at 82.5 meters tall—is the second highest tower. It is adorned with the image of St. Peter on the façade, which Gaudí designed himself. It is known as the “Entry to Heaven” of the Sagrada Família and can be accessed by an internal spiral staircase. To construct the tower, Gaudí employed a system of daringly-designed supporting points. This tower is also a must-see for anyone visiting the Sagrada Família, and the view from the top is stunning.
The Nativity and Passion façade towers are both 73.5 metres tall. While the design of the Passion façade tower is more complex than that of the Nativity tower, the Nativity tower is more elaborately decorated. It has four mosaics depicting the four evangelists, with their respective symbols. The Passion façade tower is more minimalist, with a system of mullions and balustrades. Each tower also has a fresco of Christ and his apostles. The views from the top of both towers are spectacular and the details inside, while less flamboyant, are still remarkable.
In conclusion, when trying to decide which tower to climb in the Sagrada Família, one should consider their interests and the amount of time they have available. The tower of St. James is sure to have breathtaking views and a fascinating history, while the tower of St. Peter offers a different experience and is filled with images of St. Peter. The two façade towers, the Nativity and Passion, are both full of amazing details and offer an unforgettable view of Barcelona. All four towers are unique in their own way and each one holds a special appeal for visitors of the Sagrada Família.
Tower of St. James Overview
The tower of St. James is 91.6 metres tall and is the highest tower in the Sagrada Família. It was constructed using a two-dimensional frame with a spiral-shaped construction, which allows for an incredible view of the city of Barcelona. Inside the tower, visitors can also take in the frescoes and mosaics that Gaudí designed. There is a fee to climb the tower, but the view is worth every penny.
Tower of St. Peter Overview
The tower of St. Peter—at 82.5 meters tall—is the second highest tower. It has the image of St. Peter on the façade and is known as the “Entry to Heaven” of the Sagrada Família. This tower was constructed using a system of daringly-designed supporting points. Climbing the tower gives visitors access to a stunning view of Barcelona.
Overview of Nativity and Passion Façade Towers
The Nativity and Passion façade towers are both 73.5 metres tall and both have a Fresco of Christ and his apostles. The Nativity tower is more elaborately decorated and has four mosaics depicting the four evangelists, while the Passion façade tower is more minimalist, with a system of Mullions and balustrades. Both towers offer an incredible view of Barcelona.
Practical Considerations
When trying to decide which tower to climb in the Sagrada Família, one should consider their interests and the amount of time they have available. Each tower offers a unique experience and view of Barcelona. The tower of St. James offers breathtaking views and a fascinating history, while the tower of St. Peter has images of St. Peter. The two façade towers, the Nativity and Passion, are both spectacular and full of amazing details.
What is the best time to visit?
The Sagrada Família is less crowded during the winter, due to shorter days and cooler temperatures. The Sagrada Família is open year-round but the peak season is May-September. During these months, queues can be long and the wait time to climb the towers can be up to one hour. Weekends and mid-day are usually the busiest times. Visitors are advised to book tickets online ahead of time if they want to avoid long queues.
Safety Practices
The Sagrada Família’s safety practices are top-notch. All visitors are required to wear a mask and follow social distancing measures inside the premises. Hand sanitizers are also available throughout the premises. During the climbing experience, visitors are required to wear helmets and be accompanied by a guide. The climbing routes are well-illuminated and all visitors are encouraged to take breaks during the climb whenever necessary.
Tips for an enjoyable experience
Visitors are encouraged to bring a camera and to wear comfortable clothing. A pair of binoculars is also highly recommended. It will be difficult to take photographs of the frescoes and mosaics inside the towers, so visitors should take their time and make sure to enjoy the scenery and views. Taking a guide along will also enable visitors to learn more about the history, artwork and architecture of the Sagrada Família.
