What is it?
Gaudí dedicated more than 40 years of his life to this project – indeed, he spent his last 14 years working on it exclusively – and he is buried beneath the nave. Many consider the crypt and the Nativity façade, which were completed during Gaudí’s lifetime, to be the most beautiful elements of the church. The latter, which faces Carrer de la Marina, looks as if a giant has poured wax over a Gothic cathedral, like the Barcelona Cathedral, but inspired by flora, fauna, or the human figure, harmoniously combining in a stunning tapestry of stone and depicting scenes from Christ’s early years.
The Passion façade, on Carrer de Sardenya, provides a sombre counterpoint to the excesses of the Nativity façade. It features unsettling bone-shaped columns and angular sculptures by Josep Maria Subirachs depicting the 12 Stations of the Cross. The façade facing Carrer de Mallorca is dedicated to the Resurrection and is a mass of stone clouds and trumpets emblazoned with the words of the Apostles' Creed. One of Barcelona's architectural jewels, it is one of the most popular monuments in the world and an absolute must-visit.
How much are tickets?
There are different types of tickets to visit the interior of the basilica. The general admission is €26; for students and those under 30, it is €24; for retirees, it is €21; and for children under 11, entry is free. You can also buy tickets which include an audio guide or a guided tour, and you can choose whether or not to visit the towers.
What can I see with a standard ticket?
The ticket allows you to walk through the interior of the church, a marvellous forest of columns in the style of the great Gothic cathedrals, with a central nave crossed by a transept. The central columns are made of porphyry, probably the only natural element capable of supporting the great dome of the church, which will rise to 170m when the temple is completed.
The ticket also grants access to the basement museum, with exhibitions on the history of the construction, the original models of the sculptural work, and the opportunity to see sculptors working on plaster models through a glass window.
How long does the visit last?
The guided tour lasts about 50 minutes to an hour, though you can stay longer on your own. If you choose the standard ticket, the visit may be slightly shorter, as it does not include access to the towers, though you might spend more time admiring the stained glass windows designed by Joan Vila-Grau, which makes the Sagrada Familia burst with light.
How can I visit the Sagrada Familia for free?
If you want to see inside without paying for general admission, there’s a trick: take advantage of the Sunday Mass to access the basilica. It takes place every Sunday at 9am, and the doors on Carrer de la Marina open from 8.30am. If you choose this option, arriving early is recommended, as the queue is usually very long.
In addition, certain people can enter the Sagrada Familia for free, but due to high demand, they must request access 48 hours in advance. Those eligible for free entry include children under 11, the unemployed (only on Wednesdays from 9am to 12pm), people with disabilities and one companion, as well as members of religious orders.
📍The 30 best things to do in Barcelona
Translated by Olivia Simpson