A Complete Guide for Visiting the Sagrada Família in Barcelona

One of the most visited places in Barcelona is the ornate Roman Catholic basilica la Sagrada Família aka the Basilica of the Holy Family. And rightfully so. This still unfinished but incredible church was designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and is both a representation of his imagination and a reflection of his thoughts on faith and religion.

In this post, I’ll share some insights into the architecture of this building, some interesting facts about the basilica, and helpful pointers on how to prepare for your visit to the beautiful Sagrada Família.

A work in progress

It might surprise you to find cranes and scaffolding surrounding the church. Although construction on Gaudí’s masterpiece began in 1882, only a quarter of the work had been completed at the time of his death.

Since then, there have been nine architects who have taken on the project only to walk away due to its complexity. However, even with this turnover, the project has remained faithful to Gaudí’s original plans and will be completed. The expected completion date was set for 2026 to mark the 100th anniversary of the architect’s death.

Did you know? Originally, the project was financed by private patrons, but these days, most of the funding comes from the entrance fees. So if you visit, your ticket will contribute to the building of this masterpiece!

Modernist architecture

No one can deny the grandiose feel of this basilica. With its colorful stained glass windows, countless towers, chapels, and façades, the Sagrada Família feels more like a dreamy fairy-tale castle than a Catholic church. Storytelling can be found in every corner of this structure with an emphasis on nature.

Modernist gems — including La Sagrada Família

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The Sagrada Família’s many symbols

There are three intricately designed façades to the Basilica, and each has detailed motifs that reflect a moment in Christ’s life.

• the Nativity (his birth)
• the Passion (the crucifixion)
• the Glory (in heaven)

The Nativity façade has animal and human figures while the Passion façade is much more dramatic with pillars that appear to have skeletal sculptures. The Glory façade is one of the most striking, featuring scenes of the Last Judgment, including both heaven and hell. It also grants access to the Basilica’s central nave.

There are 18 towers in total. The tallest and most majestic symbolizes Jesus Christ and, once completed, will measure 566 feet. That will make it the tallest church in the world — surpassing the Ulm Cathedral in Germany. The other towers represent the Virgin Mary, the apostles, and the evangelists.

Interior of the Sagrada Família

For the interior of the church, Gaudí kept with the nature theme by avoiding straight lines. Instead, he created an environment with winding tree-like columns and a symphony of colors.

Towering stained glass windows dominate the interior of the Sagrada Família with ever-changing shades depending on the time of day and even the weather. A sunny day will produce dynamic explosions of bright color while a cloudy day will reflect soft and soothing hues.

How to visit the Sagrada Família

I highly recommend taking public transit here instead of a car so you don’t have to deal with parking.

Here are the public transportation networks that serve the Sagrada Família. 

• Metro: L2 or L5
• Bus: 19, 33, 34, D50, H10 or B24

La Sagrada Família is open every day.

How to tour the Sagrada Família 

You can visit outside of the basilica for free or pay to enter the church, but we always recommend going with a local guide. 

When you visit on your own, you’ll look around, snap some cool pics, and be on your way. Go with someone who really knows the basilica — and all about Gaudí’s vision and what those carvings on the façades mean and why it’s so controversial — and you have an experience you’ll remember for years to come.

Taking a Sagrada Família tour is a chance to not just see the basilica but to learn about it, including its history, the symbols in its sculptured façade. It takes just an hour, so while it’s thorough, it also fits in with a busy day.

Don’t forget that part of the entrance fee if you book a ticket helps with the costs for completing the church.

Local tip: For some great views, upgrade for tower access. You can take an elevator to the top of one of the basilica towers, providing a unique perspective of the architecture and the city itself.

How to dress for the Sagrada Família

There is a dress code for the Sagrada Famíla, although you won’t need to put on your Sunday best.

Remember you are entering a place of worship. Visitors should dress appropriately, meaning tops that cover the shoulders and shorts and skirts that come down to at least mid-thigh. Hats are not allowed.

Fun facts about the Sagrada Família

Here are seven fascinating facts about the Sagrada Família you might not know. Of course, you’ll learn many more on our Sagrada Família guided tours.

1. The Sagrada Família is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, even though it still hasn’t been completed.
2. To pay tribute to basilica workers, the builders’ faces were used as models and their images can be found sculpted in stone of the Portal of Mercy façade. 
3. Gaudí wasn’t the original architect. Construction started under Francisco de Paula del Villar, who resigned in 1883, allowing Gaudí to take over as chief architect.
4. The Sagrada Família is the most visited place in Spain, boasting almost 3 million visitors a year.
5. The Sagrada Família has been built entirely with donations and has not been backed by the church or the government. Construction today is still funded with entrance fees.
6. There is a mysterious square with mixed numbers on the Passion façade. No one knows what the numbers mean, but when all are added up in any direction, they equal 33. Experts believe this square is tied to the age of Christ’s death. 
7. Gaudí is buried here. He died on June 10, 1926, after being hit by a tram on his way to visit the Sagrada Família. His tomb can be found in the El Carmen Virgin chapel.

La Sagrada Família: A church like no other

The Sagrada Família is a moving and mystical place — there’s a reason it draws millions of visitors a year.

But it’s just one of many Modernist gems in Barcelona. There are more masterpieces by Gaudí and his contemporaries, several found along the lovely Passeig de Gràcia. 

Modernist gems — including La Sagrada Família

Best of Barcelona Architecture Walking Tour

Learn More

To learn more about La Sagrada Família, join us for one of our tours of the basilica. To discover other architectural treasures in Barcelona, check out our popular Barcelona Architecture Walking Tour.