At long last, you are standing in front of one of the world’s most famous churches, one that is world-renowned for forever being under construction, the very same minor basilica designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. A great venture still ongoing since the mid 1800s, the Sagrada Família is a Barcelonian landmark well-worth visiting.
Adding the Sagrada Família to your itinerary is advised by our local tour guides. Its origins in Neo-gothic designs have long since changed to Gaudi’s vision. Go back in time, join a tour, and be dazzled by the art and faith co-existing harmoniously in this church. In this article, we will share some information, advice, and more on the Sagrada Família to enhance your trip experience.
History
In the 19th century, Spaniard Josep Bocabella founded a religious organization known as the Devotees of St. Joseph. One of their main aims was the building of a church dedicated to the Holy Family. The plan was to build a church in the Neo-gothic style, a design in vogue at the time. On the feast of San Jose, much was being celebrated, including the laying of the first stone on the site of the new church. With architect Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano overseeing the matter, it was indeed a time filled with excitement and wonder.
As with every tale, disagreements arose, and that exactly is why Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano abandoned the church project altogether. Thankfully, construction was able to continue in 1883, this time with Antoni Gaudí at the helm. He changed the design so much so that it made the church almost seem free of the shackles of the usually bulky colonnades and supports.
Gaudi’s design sprouted from the botanical, making the supports it did have akin to the stems of plants, in reality a design stronger and lighter than the usual Neo-gothic columns. The architect combined Neo-gothic with Art Nouveau and Catalan Modernism stylishly, making the church design absolutely complex and unique.
In 2011, the minor basilica was consumed by flames, damaging the sacristy, or preparation room. Today, the Sagrada Família remains under construction - a masterpiece, beautiful in its development, but something we are yet to see completed and whole.
Must-see Attractions
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The Facade of the Nativity
The Nativity Facade makes up the four towers directly in front of the Sagrada Família, and is one of only three works completely designed by Gaudi. To top that off, this facade is the only one of the three that Gaudi saw made during his lifetime. Recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Nativity Facade represents the birth and childhood of Jesus Christ, and is intricately dotted with scenes of the Immaculate Conception of Mary and the birth of Jesus.
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The Facade of the Passion
Although it was Gaudi who designed this beautiful yet terrifying facade, it was only after his death that construction commenced. The four towers facing west portray the death and resurrection of Jesus. Each part of the intricate Passion Facade, from the bone-like columns to the cryptogram, holds symbolism that will leave you astounded. Gaudi indeed put much thought into his work, even if he did not see the final output of it. To learn more about the amazing facts of the Facade of the Passion, why not ask a hired professional guide to show you through the landmark. There is so much to learn and discover inside the Sagrada Família, having a personal guide chauffeur you through would really be a treat!
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The Facade of the Glory
The last of the true Gaudi designs in the basilica would be the Glory Facade, with much yet unfinished. Facing the south, the facade represents Jesus’s rise to Heaven, and possesses symbols of heaven, hell, death, and the Final Judgement. Because Gaudi knew he would not live to see this facade finished, the architect decided to create only a few sketches for it. Even so, the Glory Facade completes Gaudi’s three visions.
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The Crypt
Even before Gaudi came along, there existed the Crypt, the oldest part of the Church. Today, there are four chapels and an altar situated in the Crypt, as well as the tombs of those who helped create the basilica, such as Gaudi and Bocabella. With mosaic floors depicting reaching vines, this Neo-Renaissance style area of the Church can still be appreciated by many, as there are masses frequently held in the Crypt. Don’t have much time and wonder which of these places you should prioritize? Then head on over to GoWithGuide and book a customizable private tour for your convenience.
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The Sagrada Família Museum
Opened in 1961, the Sagrada Família Museum has been trodden by many religious, artistic, and curious visitors. Here you will be immersed in the life's work of Antoni Gaudí, his restored drawings, some original ones, and photographs of the construction of the church since its genesis.
Barcelona has so much to offer in addition to the Sagrada Família. Make sure you look through our list of must-see Barcelona attractions to get ideas for your vacation!
Important Information
When
As it is used as an active church, the Sagrada Família can be visited all year round, so if you chance upon a visit during the Christmas season, it is guaranteed the minor basilica will also be in its most festive of moods. Do note that depending on the time of year, the church’s opening hours may change. Check the official website for more information.
Opening Hours:
April-September: Monday-Saturday 9 am - 8 pm. Sundays 10:30 am - 8 pm.
November-February: Monday-Saturday 9 am - 6 pm. Sundays 10:30 am - 6 pm.
March, October: Monday-Saturday, 9 am - 7 pm. Sundays 10:30 am - 7 pm.
*December 25, 26, January 1, 6: 9 am-2 pm.
Are you unsure of how long your Barcelona trip should be? Then have a chat with our friendly local guides to get their advice as to your trip length and trip dates.
How to Get There
When visiting the Sagrada Família, our guides suggest you take public transportation. In that way, you will not have to bother with finding parking. You can take the L2 or L5 on the Metro, and the 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50, 51, B20, B24 buses to Valencia Lepant.
Tips
Since you are entering a sacred place, appropriate clothing is required, which means no overly exposed skin. Hats are also asked to be taken off in the church.
When planning a visit to the basilica, it is important to book your tickets in advance to avoid the long lines. Be careful to only use the official website to buy your tickets.
Conclusion
One look at the basilica, and it is quite easy to be spellbound by its beauty and intricacy. For a first time visit to Barcelona, it is truly an important landmark to visit. For a stress-free, memorable experience, talk to one of our professional guides, as they can give you the best and most up-to-date information on the sites and sounds of the beautiful city of Barcelona. Better yet, hop on a tour and customize it to your heart’s delight for the perfect Mediterranean adventure.
