The Sagrada Familia is a world-famous basilica located in Barcelona, Spain, renowned for its amazing architecture and spectacular towers. While the Sagrada Familia is an iconic symbol of Catalan culture, a little-known fact is that there are actually three towers associated with this basilica. Each provides an incredible vantage point to explore the area and admire the incredible detail that went into creating this awe-inspiring structure. When deciding which tower to visit, there are a few factors to consider, from historic significance to the view from the top. Here we’ll take a look at each of the towers and explore the advantages of them.
Tower of Ceramics
The first tower is the Tower of Ceramics which stands at just under 80 metres tall. This tower is renowned for its unique Moorish style, with colourful tiles and intricate vine patterns adorning the walls and upper levels. Many believe that these tiles were inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Granada, a reflection of the influence Moorish architecture had in the area and the vibrant cultural history of Spain. While the Tower of Ceramics is the most visually distinct tower in the complex, it doesn’t offer the highest view. Nevertheless, visitors to Sagrada Familia can get a unique perspective of the city and enjoy the incredible tile artwork.
Tower of Faith
The second tower is the Tower of Faith, the highest point at 93 metres. This tower is a homage to the religious faith that inspired the Sagrada Familia project and offers the most breathtaking view of the surrounding city. The traditional spire shape has four separate towers that come together to create a single structure, with a platform at the top offering the perfect place to observe the skyline. It’s a popular spot for photographers to capture the beauty of Barcelona and the unique colours of the tiles. Unfortunately, access to the Tower of Faith is limited due to its height.
Tower of Nativity
The third tower is the Tower of Nativity, at 76 metres tall. Unlike the two other towers, this tower does not feature tile artwork, as it was intended to commemorate Jesus’ birth and portray the Nativity story without decoration. This tower stands in the southwest corner of the basilica and offers a spectacular view of the western half of Barcelona. It is also the closest tower to the basilica itself and allows visitors to admire the complex architecture that has made this structure so iconic. Due to its accessibility, the Tower of Nativity is one of the most popular spots to visit.
View
It is difficult to choose just one tower to visit as each offers its own unique advantages. The Tower of Ceramics provides breathtaking tile artwork that is unique to the structure, with brick patterns complemented by bright colours to create an intricate visual spectacle. The Tower of Faith offers the highest view of the city and is incredibly popular with photographers due to its traditional spire shape. Finally, the Tower of Nativity sacrifices visuals for proximity, and since it is the closest to the basilica itself it offers a clear unobstructed view of the whole complex.
Accessibility
The accessibility of each tower is an important factor to consider when deciding which one to visit. The Tower of Ceramics is fairly easy to access as it is the closest one to the entrance to the basilica, but the Tower of Faith requires a lot more effort to reach. The Tower of Nativity is in between the two, as it is close to the entrance but is slightly less accessible than the Tower of Ceramics. All of this needs to be taken into consideration when visiting the basilica and deciding which tower to experience.
Cost
The cost of visiting each tower is also something to consider, as prices vary depending on which one is chosen. The Tower of Ceramics is the cheapest option, with tickets usually costing no more than €7. The Tower of Faith is a bit more expensive, with tickets usually costing €15 – this is due to the fact that it is the highest tower in the complex and offers the most spectacular view of Barcelona. Finally, the Tower of Nativity is the most expensive option with tickets usually costing €20 – this is due to its proximity to the basilica and the fact that it is the most popular tower in the complex.
Historical Significance
Finally, the historical significance of each tower needs to be taken into account. The Tower of Ceramics is renowned for its Moorish-style tile artwork, a reflection of the influence this region has had over Catalan culture for centuries. The Tower of Faith is a homage to the religious faith of the builders and is renowned for its unique spire shape. The Tower of Nativity stands in the southwest corner to commemorate Jesus’ birth and is one of the most spectacular examples of Gothic architecture in the world.
Conclusion
Whether it’s the Tower of Ceramics, the Tower of Faith or the Tower of Nativity, visiting Sagrada Familia and experiencing one of its towers is an experience you won’t forget. By taking into account each tower’s various advantages such as its view, cost, accessibility and historical significance, you can choose the perfect tower for your visit. No matter which one you choose, you’re sure to be impressed by the incredible architecture that has gone into creating these iconic structures.
