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Sagrada Familia Tower

The Sagrada Familia's towers are sculpted hymns, each whispering its tale of faith from Gaudí's visionary heart. Gaudí's genius sculpted each tower, whispering tales of faith from Nativity's delicate grace to Passion's starkness. This is Barcelona's soul etched in the sky. The church, which has been in existence for over 140 years now, is known for its incredible architecture. With exquisite facades and spires that run high into the sky, it is truly a remarkable place to visit. Read on to learn more about Sagrada Familia's towers.

What are the Sagrada Familia Towers?

Sagrada Familia Towers

Breakdown of Sagrada Familia's Towers and Facades

The Sagrada Familia boasts three grand facades and a forest of 18 towers, each a testament to Antoni Gaudí's visionary genius and deep faith. Let's delve into the symbolism and beauty of these architectural miracles:

Nativity Facade
Passion Facade
Glory Facade
Beyond
Nativity Facade
Passion facade

Explore the Sagrada Familia Towers | Main highlights

Sagrada Familia Towers - Apostle Towers

Apostle Towers

Towers for the 12 Ardent Disciples

Each of the three facades includes four towers dedicated to one of the 12 devoted followers of Jesus. At present, there are only 8 Sagrada Familia towers constructed—four belonging to the Nativity Facade in the East and four belonging to the Passion Facade in the West. There are four more to be completed on the Glory Facade side. The oldest of the towers, dedicated to St. Barnabas, was built during Gaudi's lifetime and was completed in 1925. Each of these towers rises up to 90m to 112m in height and is the smallest of the 18 towers.

Sagrada Familia Towers - Evangelists Towers

Evangelists Towers

Towers for the 4 Evangelists who Compiled the Gospels

The Sagrada Familia's plan features six central towers, of which four are dedicated to the four evangelists—Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John—whose works have led to the preservation of Christian history and religion. These towers are being built currently and have reached a height of 103.56m and will be 135 m when completed, making them the third tallest towers. They are slender in size compared to the towers dedicated to Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ and contain the staircases and lifts that lead to the interior of the tower of Jesus Christ.

Sagrada Familia Towers - Virgin Mary Tower

Virgin Mary Tower

Second Tallest Tower

The design of Sagrada Familia is spectacular owing to the elaborate thinking that has gone into its creation. Gaudi has deliberately made the tower of Jesus to not be taller than Montjuïc hill as a mark of respect to the Creator and has also ensured that the tower of the Virgin Mary doesn’t go beyond Jesus’. This Sagrada Familia tower was inaugurated on 8 December 2021. The highlights of the tower are the beautifully crafted, mosaic decorated top and the star of Virgin Mary which is illuminated daily.  

Sagrada Familia Towers - Tower of Jesus Christ

Tower of Jesus Christ

The Meeting of Divinity and Humanity

A careful observation of Gaudi’s design shows he envisioned the Temple structure to be in a hierarchical, vertical rise that depicts the rising of the human being to divinity, and the tower of Jesus is at the very top of it all. Right in the middle of the towers of the four evangelists, the tower of Jesus will stand tallest. It will rise to a height of 172m and will be the highest church tower in the world and the tallest structure in Barcelona. The completion of this Sagrada Familia tower will be a culmination of the work of more than 140 years and may finish in 2026 - on the 100th death anniversary of Gaudi. 

Sagrada Familia Tower view

Passion Tower Sagrada Familia
Nativity Tower Sagrada Familia

The view from the Passion Tower of the Sagrada Familia is truly breathtaking. As you ascend the narrow spiral staircase, anticipation builds with each turn. Finally, you emerge onto the observation platform and are met with a panorama that will take your breath away.

To the east, the sparkling Mediterranean Sea stretches out as far as the eye can see. On a clear day, you can even glimpse the distant hills of Mallorca. Below, the bustling city of Barcelona unfolds, with its iconic landmarks like the Montjuïc hill and the Sagrada Familia itself visible in all their glory.

Looking north, you'll see the Sagrada Familia's Nativity Facade, with its joyful sculptures depicting the birth of Jesus. To the west, the city gives way to the verdant hills of Collserola. And to the south, you can admire the intricate details of the Passion Facade, with its haunting sculptures representing the suffering of Chris

As you ascend the elevator, anticipation builds. Reaching the top, you're greeted by a close-up view of the Nativity Facade, its intricate sculptures and symbolism coming alive before your eyes. You can admire the delicate figures of the Holy Family, the playful angels, and the whimsical creatures adorning the facade, all bathed in sunlight or moonlight depending on your visit.

While the focus is on the Sagrada Familia, the city isn't entirely absent. Peeking through gaps in the towers and sculptures, you can catch glimpses of Barcelona's bustling streets, the Sagrada Familia's Nativity Square, and even the distant outlines of landmarks like Montjuïc and Tibidabo. These glimpses add a touch of urban context to the otherwise Sagrada-centric panorama.

Unlike the Passion Tower's focus on the city, the Nativity Tower allows you to appreciate the Sagrada Familia's unique architectural details from above. You can see the intricate patterns of the roof, the interplay of light and shadow on the spires, and the overall grandeur of Gaudí's masterpiece from a privileged angle.

The Sagrada Familia Tower stairs

Sagrada Familia Tower - Stairs

One will have the opportunity to get to the top of the Sagrada Familia towers, to get a view of the magnanimous skies of Barcelona, overlooking the ocean. While you can get to the top via elevators, the way back down is only possible through the long, narrow series of winding stairs, allowing you to walk the Barcelona steps.

In theme with Gaudi’s personal architectural style that draws from nature, these spiral stairs resemble a snail's back. They are 60m in height and have a series of 504 steps in total. The stairs have no railings but spiral into themselves in such a way that the walls act as safe support while getting down. The stairs are completely safe to climb and not very physically tiring. Visitors with physical disabilities, claustrophobia and heart conditions are requested to refrain from accessing the Towers. 

Design of the Sagrada Familia Towers

  • The Sagrada Familia has three aspects attributed to the three facades - the Birth of Jesus, his death, and his mystical afterlife.
  • The facades depict the scenes from the Bible in a beautiful manner, with extremely emotive sculptures. 
  • Natural lighting is made use of in the best possible manner, to light up the interior of the Sagrada Familia towers. With colored glass works at the right angles on the roofs and sidewalls, it simply is a stunning feature of Sagrada Familia's architecture.
  • While you will find many basilicas that have Gothic, Roman, or European influences, there aren’t many that come close to the natural beauty of Gaudi's architecture. 
  • It is probably the only basilica that is ancient and is still under construction - a rare opportunity for visitors to see the making of a magnificent structure. 
  • The design of the Bell Towers is made in such a way that the sound can reach the whole city of Barcelona.

When will the Sagrada Familia be completed? 

The Sagrada Familia is a structure that has been in construction since 1882. Although attempts have been made in the recent past to complete it, the pandemic and other factors have slowed it down. The good news is that the Tower of Virgin Mary was inaugurated in 2021 and the completion of the towers of the two evangelists is expected this year. Overall, the project is expected to be completed in 2026. 

Can I visit the Sagrada Familia Towers? 

Yes, you can visit the Sagrada Familia towers when you are in Barcelona. You can book tickets online which are easily available to be booked in advance.

You can also visit the museum dedicated to Sagrada Familia, the basilica itself and also climb up the Tower stairs depending on the tickets you choose. You will also have audio guides on the tour.

You can also opt for a guided tour, which is a great way to understand the rich history and architecture of the attraction and about Gaudi, the man behind the creation of Sagrada Familia.




Book Sagrada Familia Tickets with Tower Access

Sagrada Familia Fast-Track Guided Tour with Towers Access
Free cancellation
Mobile ticket
1 hr. 30 min. - 2 hr.
Guided tour
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Visitor Tips

  • Do not miss out on heading to the top of the towers for a phenomenal view of the city and an intimate experience of the architecture of the towers. 
  • It is best to wear comfortable clothing as you may have to do some amount of walking in the basilica. 
  • It is best to make use of the audio guides available in many languages, in order to learn the rich history of the structure. 
  • Since you are entering a basilica, which is a religious place, it is best to wear suitable clothes that will fully cover you. 
  • You may carry a small bag that can be deposited but there is no provision to keep your larger luggage. 
  • Visitors are advised not to enter barefooted and wearing hats are not allowed. 

Frequently asked questions about the Sagrada Familia Towers

What is the Sagrada Familia Towers?

The Sagrada Familia towers are the 18 towers that comprise the structure of the famed basilica. 

Can I visit the Sagrada Familia Towers?

Yes, you can visit the Sagrada Familia Towers if you purchase Sagrada Familia tickets with access to the tower. You can book your Sagrada Familia tickets here.

Is the entry to Sagrada Familia Towers free?

No, entry to the Sagrada Familia Towers is not free. You need to purchase tickets to be able to enter the Sagrada Familia tickets.

Can you buy tickets to the towers in Sagrada Familia?

Yes, you can buy tickets to the towers in Sagrada Familia online.

How many Sagrada Familia Towers are there?

There are currently 9 Sagrada Familia Towers and 9 more are being constructed.

How many Sagrada Familia Towers are completed?

9 of the total 18 Sagrada Familia Towers are completed.

When will the Sagrada Familia Towers be completed?

The Sagrada Familia Towers are expected to be completed by 2026.

Are the Sagrada Familia Towers worth it?

The Sagrada Familia Towers is the most visited place in Spain, which is a testament to its immense beauty, magnitude and sanctity. It is definitely worth it!

Which Sagrada Familia Tower is better?

The Virgin Mary tower which has the Star of Mary and beautiful mosaic works at the base of the shaft makes it look better. 

Should I purchase Sagrada Familia Towers tickets in advance?

Yes, it is best to purchase Sagrada Familia Towers tickets online and in advance. 

What are some must-see highlights of the Sagrada Familia Towers?

The must see highlights of the Sagrada Familia Towers are the 3 facades of the towers that depict three different aspects of Christ’s life. 

Who designed the Sagrada Familia Towers?

The Sagrada Familia Towers were designed by the famous Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudi.

How tall are the towers at Sagrada Familia?

The Evangelist towers are at a height of 135m, the Apostle towers are of 90m-112m, while the Tower of Virgin Mary stands at 158m and the Tower of Jesus being the tallest, will stand at 172m.

How tall is the tallest tower in Sagrada Familia?

The tallest tower in Sagrada Familia will be the tower of Jesus which is meant to stand at a height of 172m.