Whoever hasn’t seen the Sagrada Familia hasn’t been to Barcelona – do you know this saying? We would rephrase it a bit: whoever hasn’t seen the interior of the Sagrada Familia hasn’t been to Barcelona. In our opinion, the Basilica of the Holy Family is the true gem of architecture. The building impressed us from the outside, but we only truly felt and recognized its grandeur after stepping inside. We were left speechless with awe, but fortunately, we managed to prepare an extensive photo report and some interesting facts for you. Come along!
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Sagrada Familia inside and outside – photos
Sagrada Familia – what style?
Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous churches in the world, despite the fact that it has never been completed. That’s why it often appears in photos alongside construction cranes. Its construction began in 1882, with Antoni Gaudí as the chief architect. This exceptional artist designed numerous buildings throughout Barcelona, and the Basilica of the Holy Family is among his most recognizable works. Gaudí gave the church a unique style that combines Catalan modernism with elements of Art Nouveau and Gothic architecture. He dedicated the final years of his life to perfecting his “life project,” and his vision is now being continued by contemporary architects using modern technology. Sagrada Familia attracts millions of tourists every year and is the most famous symbol of Barcelona.
Sagrada Familia – the façade, or rather… three façades
Sagrada Familia has three main façades, each representing a different part of Christ’s life. The Nativity Façade (shown in the photo below) is richly decorated, filled with intricate details inspired by nature. This is no surprise, as it symbolizes the joy of Jesus’ birth. The Passion Façade (visible two photos down) is completely different – stark, static, and geometric, reflecting the suffering and death of Christ. The Glory Façade, on the other hand, is still unfinished. It is intended to be the most monumental, representing the triumph of Salvation. We can’t wait!
Sagrada Familia – towers and their symbolism
Sagrada Familia will ultimately have eighteen towers, each with symbolic meaning. Twelve of them represent the apostles and surround the temple. Four taller towers are dedicated to the evangelists. The remaining two are dedicated to Mary and Jesus, respectively. If everything goes according to plan, the central tower of Jesus Christ will reach 172.5 meters, making it the tallest church in Europe. The towers feature slender, towering shapes and unique details, each topped with an interesting, colorful mosaic. Interestingly, they have special acoustic openings that allow the sound of the bells to spread throughout Barcelona.
Sagrada Familia – doors and entrances
Sagrada Familia has several entrances, each richly decorated and full of symbolism. Currently, the most famous doors are located on the Nativity Façade and the Passion Façade. The former features fragments of the “Our Father” prayer in various languages, while the latter depicts scenes from the Passion of Christ with dramatic sculptures. However, the entrance on the future Glory Façade is expected to be the most monumental and impressive. What will it look like? We’ll have to wait and see. We’re excited about the results. We’re already amazed by the current ones and genuinely wonder what could be more spectacular.
Sagrada Familia – stained glass windows
Stained glass windows are the elements of the building that Wiolczi likes the most. There are many of them in the Sagrada Familia, and they are truly massive. They are real works of art. Thanks to them, a true “theater of light” is created inside the temple. They were designed by the Catalan artist Joan Vila-Grau. Their placement is not accidental. Cool, blue-green hues dominate the eastern side, creating a peaceful aura, while shades of red and orange on the western side symbolize divine glory. The atmosphere inside, therefore, completely depends on the time of day you visit. We visited the temple in the late afternoon, and in our opinion, it was the perfect time. At that hour, Sagrada Familia was bathed in pleasant, warm colors, and the diffused light warmed us with its glow. It was like a fairytale! The stained glass windows are one of the most stunning elements of the Sagrada Familia.
Sagrada Familia – columns
In the Sagrada Familia, even the columns have hidden symbolism. Their shapes and forms are inspired by nature. They were designed and created to resemble trees. This approach had the desired effect, as when we crossed the threshold of the temple, we truly felt as if we had entered a forest. A stone, “mystical” forest, but a forest nonetheless. The columns are made from various materials, such as granite, basalt, and porphyry. They vary in height and thickness depending on their symbolism – the apostle columns are shorter, while those dedicated to Jesus and Mary are the tallest. In addition to their artistic value, they also serve practical functions. They bear the weight of the roof, allowing for the absence of traditional load-bearing walls and enabling the space to be filled with light. Simply beautiful!
Sagrada Familia – ceiling
The ceiling of the Sagrada Familia is a true masterpiece. While the floor represents lava and the columns resemble a forest, the ceiling can be compared to a starry sky, suspended high above the visitors’ heads. Instead of traditional heavy ceilings, Gaudí opted for light, geometric shapes. This adds a sense of spaciousness and fantasy to the interior. Specially placed openings in the ceiling allow plenty of light to flood the interior. Here, beauty meets functionality, creating a sense of stability and space. It is said that through this design, Gaudí wanted to bring together nature, art, and religion in one place.
Sagrada Familia – altar
The main altar of the Sagrada Familia is a true work of art designed by Gaudí. Once again, the creator focused on originality. The central feature of the altar is a lamp symbolizing the Holy Spirit. The altar is surrounded by the columns of St. Peter and St. Paul, with rings bearing their names. Above the altar hangs a canopy in the shape of a heptagon (a seven-sided figure). It is richly decorated with grapevines, vine leaves, and wheat ears, which symbolize the Eucharist. All the elements work together perfectly, creating a light, harmonious, and somewhat mystical composition.
Sagrada Familia – details
The devil is in the details? In the case of the temple, it’s probably not the right phrase to use. Let’s go straight to the details, which play an essential role in the Sagrada Familia. You’ll find them both inside and outside the building. What caught our particular attention? Inside, we immediately noticed the colorful stones on the Evangelists’ columns, each depicting symbols associated with them: a man (Matthew), a lion (Mark), a bull (Luke), and an eagle (John). Outside, our attention was drawn to the colorful ends of the small towers, decorated with ceramic balls, which add lightness and a sense of “joy” to the entire structure. These decorations are meant to “reflect divinity” and introduce symbolic elements into the architecture of the temple. Additionally, on the Nativity Façade, animal motifs such as a lamb and a dove, representing goodness, as well as a serpent with an apple, representing evil, appear.
Sagrada Familia – visiting the tower
To visit the tower of the Sagrada Familia, you need to purchase the appropriate ticket and then head to one of the main entrances of the basilica (we got a bit lost, but luckily the staff quickly directed us to the right spot). From there, an elevator takes visitors up to a height of about 75 meters. During the ride, the tour guide quickly gave us all the instructions for exploring the tower on our own — in under a minute! Was it worth buying a ticket for this attraction? Absolutely! The tower offers panoramic views of all of Barcelona from the position of a “peeper,” thanks to the very small windows. You can also take a walk outside between the small towers (don’t worry, the wall is high, and the entire area is enclosed by a special mesh). To descend, we walked down the spiral staircase. Our advice: if you have mobility issues, a fear of heights, or claustrophobia, you might want to skip this attraction. Keep in mind that the number of people allowed on the tower is limited, and children under 6 years old are not permitted.
Sagrada Familia – museum
The Sagrada Familia Museum, located in the basement of the basilica, offers visitors a glimpse into the history and construction process of this “architectural marvel.” Inside, you’ll find both historical and modern multimedia exhibits. Visitors can admire original drawings, models, and photographs documenting the building’s development, as well as interactive displays showcasing how the basilica will look once completed. For those interested in Antoni Gaudí himself, there are also some interesting facts about his life and work.
Sagrada Familia – tickets
You can admire the Sagrada Familia from the outside for free. If you want to explore its magnificent interior, tickets are available in the following options and prices:
- Standard ticket for visiting the basilica’s interior: 26 €.
- Ticket for visiting the basilica’s interior with a guide: 30 €.
- Ticket for visiting the basilica with access to the tower: 36 €.
- Ticket for visiting the basilica with a guide and access to the tower: 40 €.
Make sure to buy your tickets online before your visit to avoid long queues and to guarantee entry at your preferred time. Buying tickets on-site the same day is virtually impossible.
Sagrada Familia – opening hours
You can visit the Sagrada Familia all year round.
From November to February:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Sunday: 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
In March and October:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Sunday: 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
From April to September:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Sunday: 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
Special opening hours apply on December 25, 26, January 1, and January 6, when the Sagrada Familia is open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Opening hours may be temporarily changed due to special events held at the basilica — make sure to check the website for up-to-date information.
Sagrada Familia – visiting time
Visiting Sagrada Familia usually takes from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on how thoroughly you want to explore the basilica and which attractions you decide to visit.
- Basic sightseeing (just the interiors and facades) takes about 1 to 2 hours.
- If you plan to use an audio guide or take a guided tour, it may take from 2 to 3 hours.
- Additionally, if you decide to go up to the tower, it’s worth adding another 30 minutes, depending on the queue and the time spent on the observation terraces.
Sagrada Familia – how to get?
Sagrada Familia is located at Carrer Mallorca, 401 Barcelona 08013.
- On foot / by bike. The attraction is less than 3 kilometers from the center of Barcelona, Plaça de Catalunya – about a 40-minute walk or 10 minutes by bike.
- Bus. The nearest bus stop is Sagrada Familia, located right next to the basilica.
- Metro. The attraction is a 2-minute walk from the Sagrada Familia metro station.
- Car. Near Sagrada Familia (5-10 minutes walk), you will find several paid parking lots: Mercat Sagrada Familia, NN Valencia 3, Bypark Sagrada Familia, Estació Barcelona Nord, P.R. Biomedica. However, remember that during peak hours or in the highest tourist season, these may be crowded, and there is no guarantee that you will find a free spot.
Sagrada Familia – interesting facts and tips
- The fact that surprised us the most: Antoni Gaudi died on June 12, 1926, as a result of being hit by a tram while walking in Barcelona.
- The artist is buried in the Sagrada Familia, in a chapel near the altar.
- The temple is not yet finished. Construction began in 1882, and the completion is planned for 2026, marking the hundredth anniversary of the death of the main architect.
- Antoni Gaudi did not leave exact construction plans; most of the work was based on his vision and drawings, which were often symbolic.
- The main tower will, upon completion, be the tallest tower in Barcelona. Its planned height is 170 meters.
- In Sagrada Familia, you will not find… corners – Gaudi avoided straight lines in favor of curves and natural forms, which makes the building seem alive and dynamic.
- Brick is one of the main building materials in Sagrada Familia – Gaudi was a pioneer in its use in modern architecture.
- Initially, construction was funded by private donors. Today, most of the funds come from donations and ticket sales.
- Sagrada Familia has become one of the most visited monuments in the world, attracting millions of tourists every year.
Sagrada Familia – opinions / reviews
- Patrix – 10/10. Sagrada Familia is impressive from the outside, but even more so on the inside. Don’t hesitate for a moment about going inside. The monumental interior simply takes your breath away. This space is the perfect form in its purest expression. I also highly recommend going up to the top, where you can take a closer look at the decorations designed by the brilliant artist.
- Wiolczix – 10/10. If someone tells you that it’s not worth seeing the Sagrada Familia inside, either they haven’t been there themselves or they don’t like you. This building is, in my humble opinion, the most beautifully and interestingly designed structure I have ever seen (and I’ve been to quite a few places). You don’t need tons of gold for the interior to make an incredible impression. Here, the main role is played by the light (which creates a unique atmosphere as it filters through the beautiful colorful stained glass windows) and the columns (resembling a forest), combined with the starry ceiling (designed to resemble the night sky). Everyone who has seen Barcelona knows that Gaudi was a master of his craft. And the Sagrada Familia is his most perfect masterpiece!
Sagrada Familia – Frequently Asked Questions
What does Sagrada Familia mean?
Sagrada Familia in translation from Spanish means “Holy Family.” This term refers to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The name emphasizes the spiritual character of this monumental building, which is dedicated to the Holy Family.
When will the construction of the Sagrada Familia be completed?
The construction of the Sagrada Familia is expected to be completed in 2026, which will mark the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudí’s death. In recent years, the pace of construction has significantly accelerated, but this deadline remains flexible.
How many years has the Sagrada Familia been under construction?
The construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882, so it has been ongoing for over 140 years. Although Gaudi died in 1926, work on the basilica continued, and today, despite many challenges, it is nearing completion. The expected completion date is 2026.
How much does it cost to enter Sagrada Familia?
Ticket prices for Sagrada Familia depend on the type of visit: a standard ticket costs €26, while a ticket with access to the tower costs €36 (for a guided tour, add €4 to each ticket). Children, students, seniors, and groups can get discounts. Online tickets are usually cheaper than those purchased on-site.
When is the Sagrada Familia free? Can I see the Sagrada Familia for free?
Free entry to the Sagrada Familia is possible during special masses or other religious events that take place in the temple. However, it is worth following the information on the official website, sometimes there are exceptional days of free visits. In addition, in the vicinity of the Sagrada Familia you can admire its architecture from the outside for free – but of course from a distance.
Can I visit Sagrada Familia without a tour? Can I visit Sagrada Familia on your own?
Yes, absolutely, Sagrada Familia can be visited independently, without the need to purchase a group tour or guided tour. You can use an audio guide, which allows for a detailed visit to the basilica. This is a convenient option as it offers great flexibility in terms of timing during the visit.
How much time is needed to visit Sagrada Familia?
The time needed to visit Sagrada Familia depends on individual preferences, but it usually takes 1 to 3 hours. Visiting the tower may take an additional 30 minutes.
How should I dress for Sagrada Familia?
Sagrada Familia is a place of religious worship, so it is important to dress appropriately for the occasion. Avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or open-toed shoes. It’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes, as the basilica is quite large. The attire should be modest, especially during mass and religious events.
Sagrada Familia – map
Sagrada Familia is located in the Eixample district of Barcelona.