The Sagrada Familia is an iconic masterpiece in Barcelona that showcases the architectural genius of Antoni Gaudí. Its unique design combines Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, attracting millions of tourists each year. With its towering spires, intri...

Also Known As

Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família

Founded On

2010

Founded By

Antoni Gaudi

About

Quick Information

ADDRESS

Sagrada Família, Barcelona, Spain

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

09:00–18:00

VISITORS PER YEAR

4500000

TICKETS

From € 34

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

1-2 hours (Peak), 30-60 mins (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

UNESCO YEAR

1984

Plan your visit

Did you know?

Gaudi didn't leave a comprehensive blueprint. He preferred working with 3D models, many of which were destroyed during the Spanish Civil War.

One cannot overlook the reptile-like designs that are prevalent in the architectural structure.

The Nativity Facade was the only facade that Gaudi completed during his lifetime.

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Book Sagrada Familia Tickets

Sagrada Familia Fast-Track Tickets with Hosted Entry

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Guided tour

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€34

Sagrada Familia Fast-Track Guided Tour

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1 hr. - 2 hr.

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€44

Park Güell + Sagrada Familia Guided Tour

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3 hr. 30 min. - 4 hr. 30 min.

Guided tour

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€72

Why visit Sagrada Familia in Barcelona?

Sagrada Familia is an iconic example of Antoni Gaudi’s exemplary style, with elements of Art Nouveau, Catalan Modernism, and Spanish Late Gothic design.
The work revolved around the theme of nature figures, in terms of both, symbolism and the usage of organic shapes and forms.
Inspired by nature, this man-made masterpiece is the tallest building in Europe to explore.
Journey up the Sagrada Familia's famous towers to witness a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Barcelona.
Witness the great architecture of a structure that has been under construction for over a century as you explore the different facades up close.
Explore the historical drawings, pictures, and figures of the Sagrada Familia’s evolution, all the way from the beginning in 1882.
Discover the life and works of Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona’s most famous architect.
Explore the Sagrada Familia crypt, where Antoni Gaudi is buried.
As you explore the basilica's inside, you can view the columns towering 70 meters to the ceiling and the huge stained-glass windows through which the sunlight seeps into the interiors, to produce a dreamlike experience.

What's Inside Sagrada Familia?

Who built the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona?

The initial architect was Francisco de Paula del Villar but the project was taken over by Gaudi who created a stunning display of Art Nouveau and Catalan Noucentisme architecture. After Gaudi's death, seven other architects have worked on the project — Domènec Sugrañes i Gras, Francesc de Paula Quintana i Vidal, Isidre Puig Boada, Lluís Bonet i Gari, Francesc Cardoner, Jordi Bonet i Armengol and lastly, Jordi Faulí i Oller, who is the current director architect of the project.

Although during Gaudi's lifetime only less than a quarter of the basilica was complete, he is considered the designer of the Sagrada Familia. While many are of the opinion that the work post-Gaudi disregarded his design, it has attempted to true to Gaudi's vision. After parts of the unfinished basilica and Gaudi's models and workshop were destroyed during the Spanish Civil war, these plans were reconstructed and adapted to be made more modern. The plan of Sagrada Familia, as it stands, is a creation of Gaudi's genius.

About Gaudi

Highlights at Sagrada Familia

Enjoy the View From the Nativity & Passion Towers

Having a peep from either of the two towers is going to offer you nothing, but sheer beauty. The Nativity Tower allows you to witness the city as a whole with picturesque mountains whereas the Passion Tower offers views of the Mediterranean Sea. So, you can choose the kind of view that you would wish to have on your visit to Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

The Sagrada Familia Towers

Take the Sagrada Stairway

On visiting the Sagrada Familia Towers, the coiled stairs spiral in shape and are a must-use. With over 500 stairs to climb, it may seem exhausting but is entirely safe and in sync with Gaudi’s architecture and style. Children below 6 years of age and people with physical disabilities are not recommended to take the stairs and are refrained from accessing the Towers.

Visit the Sagrada Familia Museum

The Sagrada Familia Museum houses an exquisite collection of Antoni Gaudi’s construction models, drawings, furnishings, and much more, in an underground exhibit. You can find the space under the Passion Facade inside the semi-basement. Take a close look at the mind of this renowned architect and how his plans were initiated.

Attend Mass at the Sagrada Familia

Mass is held regularly at the Sagrada Familia and is open to all. Mass is held on Saturdays, Sundays, and on holy days of obligation. On Saturdays and the eve of holy days of obligation, mass takes place at 8 AM and on Sundays and holy days of obligation, it takes place at 9 AM.

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Inside Sagrada Familia

Thanks to Gaudi's distinctive design Sagrada Familia stands tall as an architectural marvel. People from all over the world come to view the towers and the facades they form. However, the inside of the basilica is just as spectacular.

As you enter the basilica you will be treated by the massive columns that resemble trees of a forest evoking the sense of walking into a botanical garden, which has been lit with various hues of reds, blues, and yellows thanks to the stained glass windows. At the center of the Apse, you will find the altar. Above this, you will view the hectagon-shaped Baldachin, rife with symbolism, suspended in the air. In the hyperboloid above the presbytery, you will find the Eternal Father symbol.

The crypt, located below the apse, is also a key highlight. A UNESCO Heritage Site, it houses Gaudi's tomb and also is a chapel where the masses are celebrated regularly.

Sagrada Familia Inside

Brief history of the Barcelona masterpiece

Construction of the iconic Barcelona edifice began in 1882 under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. However, the project's destiny changed dramatically in 1883 when Antoni Gaudí took the helm. His visionary approach transformed the building into a masterpiece of Catalan Modernism.

Gaudí dedicated the rest of his life to this ambitious undertaking, infusing the structure with organic forms and intricate details inspired by nature. Tragically, Gaudí’s untimely death in 1926 left the project unfinished, with only a quarter complete. Despite setbacks, including the Spanish Civil War, construction has persevered. Today, the basilica stands as a testament to human ingenuity and a symbol of Barcelona's enduring spirit.

History of Sagrada Familia

Architecture of the Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia was envisioned by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi who was known for bringing Art Nouveau into the surface decoration of the cathedral. The church is shorter in width than most of the cathedrals in Europe and showcases a mix of Catalan Modernism, Catalan Noucentisme, Art Nouveau, and Spanish Late Gothic.

The structure has numerous steeples, seven apsidal chapels, three portals, double aisles, and 18 towers, each of which is very distinct. The interiors of the church are quite extraordinary with covered passages forming a rectangle around the church, passing through the three portals. There are no right angles present in the interiors or exteriors of the church and consists of a few straight lines in terms of design.

The areas that are open to the visitors give you a feel of walking through a castle consisting of colorful and magnificent large glass windows and ceilings that are carved intricately.

Sagrada Familia Design

Sagrada Familia finish date

The Sagrada Familia is believed to be completed in 2026. The year also marks the centenary of Antoni Gaudi's death.

However, this finish date only corresponds to the remaining towers under construction. it is believed that the various sculptures and symbols that will form part of the church, as well as the main entrance, will take longer. It could be even 2040 before the church is fully completed.

More About Sagrada Familia's Finish Date

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sagrada Familia was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. During the additional registration process in 2005, the registered name was changed to include it as a part of Works of Antoni Gaudí.

A total of seven properties created by the architect Antoni Gaudí in or near Barcelona have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites are they are believed to stand as a testament to Gaudi's contribution to the development of architecture and building technology in Barcelona during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The seven buildings are: Park Güell, Palacio Güell, Casa Mila, Casa Vicens, Gaudí’s work on the Nativity façade and Crypt of the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and the Crypt in Colonia Güell.

Frequently asked questions about Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

What is the Sagrada Familia?

Sagrada Familia, one of Barcelona’s iconic symbols, is a Basilica designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. This attraction has been under construction since 1882.

Where is Sagrada Familia?

One of Gaudi’s most famous works, the Sagrada Familia is situated in the city of Barcelona, Spain at C/ de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Spain.

What is Sagrada Familia famous for?

Constructed by Antoni Gaudi, the iconic structure is famous for its unique style that combines elements of Art Nouveau, Spanish Late Gothic design, and Catalan Modernism. It has also gained fame for the being the largest unfinished Roman Catholic Church in the world.

Who built the Sagrada Familia?

The construction of Sagrada Familia began under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar and was eventually taken over by Antoni Gaudi as the chief architect to transform the project. While seven other architects have taken over the project, Gaudi is recognized as the main architect of the Sagrada Familia.

When did Sagrada Familia open?

Sagrada Familia began its construction on 19 March 1882 and continues to be still under construction, with just parts of the Cathedral being open to the public after the church was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI on 7 November 2010.

What are the Sagrada Familia opening hours?

The opening hours of Sagrada Familia vary: April to September - 9 AM to 8 PM, March to October - 9 AM to 7 PM, November to February - 9 AM to 6 PM. On January 1 and 6 and December 25 and 26 it is open from 9 AM to 2 PM.

What are the mass timings at Sagrada Familia?

The Sagrada Familia mass is held at the crypt on Monday to Saturday, at 9 AM (Catalan) and 8 PM (Spanish). On Sundays, mass is held at 9 AM, 11:45 AM and 8 PM in Spanish, and at, 10:30 AM, 1 PM, 6:30 PM in Catalan. International Masses are held every Sunday at 9 AM.

What’s inside Sagrada Familia?

Sagrada Familia has 18 towers, each one carrying an intricate significance of its own. If you climb these towers, you will be able to view the various depictions on the towers up close as well as a spectacular view of the city of Barcelona. Inside the main basilica, you will be able to view the main altar, the crypt, and various design elements such as the high columns that make the basilica unlike anything you have seen before.

Why should I visit Sagrada Familia?

The Sagrada Família is one of the most iconic examples of Antoni Gaudí's unique style. If you visit Sagrada Familia, you will not only get to experience Gaudi's genius, bit also witness the depcitions of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. You can view the towers dedicated to prominent Christian figures such as theTwelve Apostles, the Virgin Mary, the four Evangelists and, Jesus Christ.

Is it worth visiting Sagrada Familia?

Famously known for its Art Nouveau and Catalan Noucentisme architecture, the Sagrada has been constructed for a really long time and is worth visiting to get an insight into its design and history that the place holds.

How much is a ticket to visit Sagrada Familia?

Your Sagrada Familia ticket prices start from €34.

How do I book tickets to visit Sagrada Familia?

You can book your Sagrada Familia tickets online.