I have always lived in Barcelona, in a neighbourhood around la Sagrada Família, and I never get bored of looking and staring at this magnificent beauty of art.

Either if I pass by walking or if I go by bus I always stare at it and try to see if I can find something new in it… it’s incredible that a building started in 1882 is still in creation, isn’t it?

I also love seeing tourists exiting the metro station by the escalators looking at the sky and getting amazed by Sagrada Família.

And if the exterior makes your jaw drop, wait until you get inside… this will blow your mind.

So, here below I’m going to explain to you a little bit of Sagrada Família’s history and everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.

Sagrada Família’s history

Sagrada Família is a one-of-a-kind temple (Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família) located in Barcelona, in the Eixample district. Being the most iconic symbol in the city and the most visited site.

It was originally envisioned by diocesan architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. However, because there were technical and cost differences with this architect he was replaced by Antoni Gaudí, who continued the work but in a different direction.

When he took over the project, Gaudí was still working on other buildings. It wasn’t until 1914 that he started to dedicate himself exclusively to the Sagrada Família and until his death in 1926.

In 1936, Sagrada Família was vandalised during the Spanish Civil War and many plans and other materials were lost but they managed to save some of them and also photographs. Since then, several architects have followed Gaudí’s plans in order to finish this masterpiece.

Sagrada Família forms and shapes are inspired by nature as well as it represents the Holy Family with the towers and also the facades explain the Nativity (Jesus’ birth) and the Passion (Jesus’ crucifixion).

Due to the monument’s size, design and being an example of Catalan Modernism, in 2005 was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It has always been a project promoted by the people to the people, meaning that it has always been funded by the donations and contributions of thousands of individuals over the years.

It’s said that Sagrada Família will be finished in 2026, so we have never been so close to its end date!! 🙂

How to get to Sagrada Família

Sagrada Família gives also the same name to its neighbourhood.

The access is very easy either by metro, bus or walking from Barcelona’s city centre.

• Metro: easy as getting down at Sagrada Família stop, available in both L2 (purple) and L5 (blue).
• Bus: it depends on where you are coming from. The following buses have a stop at Sagrada Família: 19, 33, 34, D50, H10 and B24.

I always use Google Maps to get to any address I don’t know, so if you are really lost with just a quick search there you’ll be on track!

Schedules and Tickets

Choose the visit that fits you best

There are 4 types of visit in la Sagrada Família for individuals:

1. Sagrada Família → Basílica ticket + app audioguide
2. Sagrada Família with guided tour → Basílica ticket + app audioguide + guided tour
3. Sagrada Família and towers → Basílica ticket + one tower ticket + app audioguide
4. Sagrada Família with guided tour and towers → Basílica ticket + one tower ticket + app audioguide + guided tour

I highly recommend booking “Sagrada Família with guided tour and towers” as you can have a unique experience with a specialised guide and discover the best-kept secrets of the Basílica.

To go up the towers there’s a lift to take you there but you will have to go down by their narrow spiral staircases.

I don’t lie when I say I find something new each time I visit it and get amazed by all the details and why they are there.

Book your tickets only through their official website.

Check also the advantages and discounts.

Tips to visit Sagrada Família

Be prepared to make the most of your visit by following these tips:

• Book your tickets in advance so you won’t have to queue and also if you are interested in going up one of the towers, ad these get fully booked quickly. You can buy your ticket 2 months in advance.
• Depending on the time of your visit you will enjoy the different lights through the stained glasses inside the temple. I recommend you either go early in the morning until 11 am or in the afternoon when the sun starts to set.
• You can choose which tower to go up. Both are good options. Nativity tower shows you the east part of Barcelona including the sea and the Passion tower shows you Barcelona’s city centre including Montjuïc mountain.
• Antoni Gaudí is buried inside his masterpiece. Don’t forget to visit his tomb in the Crypt.
• Look for the Virgin Mary tower, it has a star on the top and was inaugurated in 2021. My favourite!

Buy the perfect Sagrada Família souvenir

When travelling abroad I really like shopping for special souvenirs I can then put in my home and that fit my home style (I have to confess I also have some Barcelona stuff hehe). Don’t forget to stop by Sagrada Família’s official shop and get something unique you can remember your visit when you get home!

Check this IMPORTANT information before your visit

Sagrada Família is a very important site in Barcelona and there are always a lot of people around the area as well as visiting the building. This is why they take security very seriously.

When entering you will go through a security check so as you are aware in advance, do not bring any object that can be dangerous or it will be confiscated.

Also, take into account that there is also a dress code as Sagrada Família is a Catholic church.

You can find all the updated rules and regulations to visit Sagrada Família on their website.

Virtual tour

You cannot come to Barcelona? Don’t worry!

Sagrada Família’s virtual tour is also available by clicking here.