Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia feels less like a building and more like a living being raised from the stones of Barcelona, still growing after more than 140 years.
When Gaudí took over the project in 1883, he poured his entire creative soul into what would become the ultimate expression of Catalan Modernism and his own lifelong passion. From that moment until his death in 1926, the Sagrada Familia was his canvas, workshop and cathedral rolled into one.
The Sagrada Familia is a monument that demands your full attention if you want to get the most out of your visit – and plenty of preparation. With so many façades, towers, details and hidden symbols, it’s all too easy to wander in circles and miss the moments that matter. That’s why we’ve written this handy guide to arm you with the history, the highlights and the practical know-how you need to experience Gaudí’s masterpiece at its most transcendent. Let’s begin!
Barcelona Tours
Discover the Magic of Gaudi!
First things first – a bit of history! Construction on the Sagrada Familia began in 1882 under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar; just a year later Antoni Gaudí took over, and radically reimagined the project. Gaudí devoted the last 43 years of his life exclusively to the basilica, transforming it into his magnum opus: a “bible in stone” of soaring towers, organic columns and spiritually resonant symbolism.
Like the master masons of the medieval cathedrals of Chartres or Cologne, Gaudí had embraced the notion that true grandeur takes generations, and was aware that he wouldn’t live to see his work completed. After the architect’s tragic death in 1926, when he was struck by a tram on his way to confession, work continued under successive architects guided by his original models and sketches. Cranes still orbit its towers to this day. Modern techniques have accelerated progress, and the basilica is now in its final phase, with completion of the central Jesus Christ tower anticipated for 2026, the centenary of Gaudí’s passing.
The Sagrada Familia sits at Carrer de la Marina, 41. The easiest way to reach the basilica is by metro: L2 or L5 to the Sagrada Familia station. From the station, follow signs to the Nativity façade entrance on Carrer de la Marina. Several buses also stop nearby (19, 33, 34, D50, H10, B24)
Tickets to the Sagrada Familia sell out well in advance, so it’s essential that you plan ahead. All tickets are timed and must be purchased in advance via the official site to avoid long lines. We recommend reserving your time slot at least a week or two in advance, especially in high season. Prices for 2025 are:
- Basilica + Audioguide app: €26
- Guided Tour (includes app): €30
- Basilica + Towers + App: €36
- Guided Tour + Towers + App: €40
- Discounts apply for seniors and students, while free entry is possible for for under-11s and people with disabilities.
Opening Hours
- Nov–Feb: Mon–Sat 9:00–18:00; Sun 10:30–18:00
- Mar & Oct: Mon–Fri 9:00–19:00; Sat 9:00–18:00; Sun 10:30–19:00
- Apr–Sep: Mon–Fri 9:00–20:00; Sat 9:00–18:00; Sun 10:30–20:00
- 25–26 Dec, 1 & 6 Jan: 9:00–14:00
Absolutely. While a self-guided visit lets you linger on the detailed façades and changing light effects for as long as you want, a knowledgeable guide will be able to help you decode Gaudí’s complex symbolism – discussing everything from the theological meaning of each sculptural group to the ingenious structural maths behind his vaults. Booking a guided tour also means that you won’t need to worry about tickets, as these will be taken care of. For first-time visitors keen to uncover the hidden layers of the Sagrada Familia, a guided tour is definitely your best bet. To see your options for guided tours, click the link below.
Plan on spending at least 90 minutes to 2 hours in the Sagrada Familia. Below is a summary of the highlights that you simply can’t afford to miss.
- Nativity Façade (East)
The only façade completed under Gaudí’s direct supervision, this exuberant “bible in stone” celebrates Christ’s birth with richly carved scenes of the Holy Family, angels, shepherds and a profusion of animal and plant motifs, right down to tiny turtles carved in joyful homage to nature.
- Passion Façade (West)
In stark contrast, Josep Maria Subirachs’s angular, minimalist sculptures depict Christ’s suffering and crucifixion with raw, emotionally charged lines. Look for the haunting “Kiss of Judas,” Pilate washing his hands and the Twelve Apostles in various states of grief.
- The Nave
Step inside and you enter a forest of stone: slender columns branch overhead to support vaults 45 metres high, creating an immersive, cathedral-like grove. The vaulted ceiling itself is decorated with geometric patterns that play with light and shadow.
- Stained Glass Windows
Gaudí designed the glass like a painter: warm reds, oranges and yellows flood the eastern transept at sunrise, while greens and blues cool the western aisles at sunset. The gradual shift of hue from bottom (darker) to top (lighter) bathes the interior in a living, moving spectrum.
- Towers & Views
Two towers are open to visitors: the Nativity and the Passion. A lift takes you up; a narrow spiral stair winds you back down. From the top you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas of Barcelona – over the Mediterranean to the east or the Eixample grid and hills to the west.
For an in-depth guide to everything that you need to see in the Sagrada Familia, see our dedicated guide here:
Through Eternity Tours offer a range of private itineraries in Barcelona that visit the Sagrada Familia. Here are two of our favorites:
1. Best of Barcelona with Gaudí: Sagrada Familia & Park Güell
Perfect for architecture enthusiasts and first-time visitors, this half-day private tour focuses on Gaudí’s masterpieces. With an expert guide, you’ll explore the Sagrada Familia’s sculpted façades and forest-like nave before heading to Park Güell to marvel at its mosaic benches, fairytale architecture and stunning views. A drive along Passeig de Gràcia rounds out the experience with views of Casa Milà and Casa Batlló—two UNESCO icons that showcase Gaudí’s urban genius.
2. Barcelona in a Day with Sagrada Familia
Designed for those short on time but eager to see it all, this full-day itinerary combines skip-the-line access to the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell with a guided stroll through the Gothic Quarter and a panoramic stop on Montjuïc hill. You’ll also admire Casa Batlló’s flowing façade, wander bustling La Rambla, and end with a taste of authentic tapas. Ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, comfortable overview of Barcelona’s highlights in one day.
