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Things to do in The Sagrada Familia
Its architect Antoni Gaudi famously said, “My client is in no hurry.” (His ‘client’ was God.) Though begun in 1882, the Sagrada Familia was incomplete when Gaudi was hit by a tram and killed in 1926. The building is not expected to be finished until 2026, when it will become the world’s tallest church at 560ft (170m).
Today, more than 2.5 million people visit the church each year, their tickets contributing to the on-going project. Gaudi would be pleased. “A church,” he said, is “the only thing worthy of representing the soul of a people, for religion is the most elevated reality in man.” Pope Benedict XVI repeated these words at the cathedral’s dedication on 7 November 2010.
Opening hours
- 9.00am-6.00pm – November to February
- 9.00am-7.00pm – March
- 9.00am-8.00pm – April to September
- 9.00am-7.00pm – October
- 9.00-2.00pm – December 25,26 and January 1,6
Last tickets sold 15 minutes before closing
About the cathedral
Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia is said to be an example of Gothic architecture, but it is actually a modification and development of the form unique to its architect.
For Gaudi, the Gothic form was too limiting in the strictly structural sense. He used models to experiment with new and alternative solutions while being influenced both by Christianity and forms found in nature. Look carefully at his buildings and you see shell-like swirls, tree branches, animal scales, feathers and waves.
In terms of church architecture, however, the Expiatory Cathedral of the Sagrada Familia is relatively standard: a central nave with four aisles and transepts forming a Latin cross, the top of which is closed by a semi-circular apse. The uniqueness is in the spires and monumental facades, each representing an event of Christ’s life: his birth, passion, death and resurrection, and his glory.
The original plan was for a group of 18 towers: 12 shorter bell towers on the facades (representing the apostles), and six central taller ones (symbolic of their hierarchy). When completed, the tallest, at 566 ft, will represent Jesus Christ and will be surrounded by four, thinner, 443ft towers representing the evangelists.
Much has been written about the cathedral being perpetually unfinished, but it’s said Gaudi knew he would never live to see its completion. His goal was to make a bold start, expecting that his dream – once started – would have to be finished by others.
Address
Carrer de la Marina, Barcelona
Getting there
- By Metro
- Line 2 and Line 5 Sagrada Familia
- By bus
- 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50, 51, B20 and B24
Our recommendations in The Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia entrance tickets
Avoid the long lines and visit Sagrada Familia, one of the most-visited landmarks of Antoni Gaudí, with a multilingual audioguide included. Choose a small-group tour option to enjoy a personalized experience with a local guide!
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Sagrada Familia small-group tour with priority access & local expert guide
Book now for an unforgettable small-group tour experience to discover the Sagrada Familia with priority access tickets and an expert local guide!
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Sagrada Familia entrance tickets and small-group tour
Book your guided tour of Sagrada Familia with entrance tickets and experience Gaudí's most famous masterpiece with an expert guide.
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Tickets and guided visit to the Sagrada Família
Book your tickets and guided tour of the Sagrada Família. Experience Gaudí's masterpiece to the fullest and thoroughly discover Catalan modernism.
en, fr, es
Sagrada Familia entrance tickets
Avoid the long lines and visit Sagrada Familia, one of the most-visited landmarks of Antoni Gaudí, with a multilingual audioguide included. Choose a small-group tour option to enjoy a personalized experience with a local guide!
en, fr, es
Sagrada Familia small-group tour with priority access & local expert guide
Book now for an unforgettable small-group tour experience to discover the Sagrada Familia with priority access tickets and an expert local guide!
en, es
Sagrada Familia entrance tickets and small-group tour
Book your guided tour of Sagrada Familia with entrance tickets and experience Gaudí's most famous masterpiece with an expert guide.
en
Tickets and guided visit to the Sagrada Família
Book your tickets and guided tour of the Sagrada Família. Experience Gaudí's masterpiece to the fullest and thoroughly discover Catalan modernism.
en, fr, es
Sagrada Familia tickets and guided visit
Book your guided visit now and discover one of the most visited buildings in the world!
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Guided tour of Sagrada Familia with entrance to the towers
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Visit Barcelona at your own pace, exploring different locations how and when you like. Discover Barcelona's culture and history and explore the most popular sights.
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Park Güell and Sagrada Familia tickets with tower access and transfer
Book your guided tour of Sagrada Familia and Park Güell with tickets now and discover two of the most emblematic works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona.
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Best of Gaudí private walking tour in Barcelona with a local guide
Book this best of Gaudì private walking tour. Discover Casa Batlló, Casa Pedrera with a local expert guide and be blown away with a visit inside the Sagrada Familia.
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Park Güell and Sagrada Familia tickets and guided tour
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Barcelona Artistic Tour with entrance to Sagrada Familia and Park Güell
Book your Gaudí Artistic Tour and visit the Sagrada Familia and the Park Güell, two of the most important works of the famous architect Antoni Gaudí.
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Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia morning guided tour
Take a complete tour to discover the popular Park Güell and the famous Cathedral of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Book now and enjoy!
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How to get there
The Sagrada Familia
Barcelona
Spain
Reviews The Sagrada Familia
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