The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família (Catalan: [bəˈzilikə ðə lə səˈɣɾaðə fəˈmiljə]; Spanish: Basílica de la Sagrada Familia; 'Basilica of the Holy Family'), also known as the Sagrada Família, is a large unfinished minor basilica in the Eixample district of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, and is currently the largest unfinished Roman Catholic church. Designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926), his work on the building is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On 7 November 2010, Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the church and proclaimed it a minor basilica.
On 19 March 1882, construction of the Sagrada Família began under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. In 1883, when Villar resigned, Gaudí took over as chief architect, transforming the project with his architectural and engineering style, combining Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms. Gaudí devoted the remainder of his life to the project, and he is buried in the crypt. At the time of his death in 1926, less than a quarter of the project was complete.
Monday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Thursday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Friday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Saturday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Sunday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Sadeesh Arumaithurai | Mar 1, 2018
A true architectural masterpiece. You can really see the craftsmanship in the fine and detailed parts of the church. We went here in summer 2016 (July) and sadly there were a lot of cranes and such for construction on the Eastern side. But it was still a great sight to see in person. Recommend this highly for your Barcelona trip.
Aimmee Chin | Feb 11, 2018
People always say--don't try and do the touristy stuff when you're vacationing. Look for local gems. La Sagrada Familia IS a local gem that just happened to attract tourists, so it is a MUST see when you're in Barcelona. I would recommend buying the tickets to go inside and even paying a little extra to get to one of the towers for some ridiculously awesome views. This place is absolutely breath-taking, and worth every penny you spend. I'd also recommend buying your tickets online either the day before or more to avoid crazy lines.
Ayla Kim | Feb 17, 2018
A strong expression of the Christian faith in Catalonia, the Basilica is the most popular in Barcelona. It’s architectural design is really fascinating as well, as is its interior, which is truly beautiful. Once it’s building progress is completed, the Basilica will be the tallest church in the world. While undergoing construction, the Basilica offers many tours and has a museum (both of which I suggest booking tickets in advance for), making it a really popular and crowded destination for tourists. The scenic views from both the windows of the Basilica as well as the views of the attraction itself from the ground level outside of the structure are truly wonderful, especially the Basilica’s stained glass windows, which are really some other type of art... they’re so beautiful, especially during sunset when the light hits them and reflects really vibrant colors onto the walls. When visiting Barcelona this place should be at the top of anyone’s list, as it really teaches about the important aspects of Barcelona’s past, present, and future, and is also a really wonderful photo op.
Kallie Hudson | Jan 30, 2018
If you are in Barcelona you HAVE to visit Sagrada Familia. It was by far one of the best places I have seen. You do need to book tickets in advance online, and they sell out quick! I had the audio guide and would recommend getting it. It was amazing to learn about the story and Gaudi's vision. If you think it looks fascinating from the outside, wait until you see the inside! Truly amazing.
Kunal Mangalorekar | Jan 31, 2018
A masterpiece sitting in the heart of Barcelona city, this architecture marvel is must see if in barcelona even for one day. The tickets can be booked online for around 30 euros per person. There are timings for entries, details of which can be found on their website. The interiors are jaw-dropping, very friendly staff in red uniforms. Although thousand of tourists flock this temple, it is very peaceful inside and one can feel a divine presence. Do check out their souvenir store on the way out, reasonable prices.
Christof Moons | Mar 21, 2018
Completely blown away by this artwork. Most definitely worth a visit if you have a few hours to spare in Barcelona. If you don't have problems with heights take one of the long visits with a sightseeing opportunity in one of the towers. Also, try to go when the sun is shining, the incoming light on the colourful windows is just amazing, breathtaking, almost out of this world. Feel nature's influence of the architect at first hand. A must visit in Barcelona, you won't regret spending the money.
Stephanie Pace | Mar 28, 2018
A tourist spot that is a must while in Barcelona. They have been working on the infrastructure for quite a while and are still not done yet, but hopefully they will be soon. They have made progress because I went in 2014 and then in 2017 and it has changed. It was cool to visit and see the differences. Make sure you have tickets ready to go inside because the lines can be very long. Inside it is beautiful with all the colors. It was unique to go up the columns to look over Barcelona. I would suggest visiting because it is a good place to see some history, architecture and art.
Satish Chandran | Apr 3, 2018
Master piece. No other way to describe this place. Absolutely stunning. Am sure it will look even better after the place is completely done. The inside is just as stunning as the outside, with all the stained glass and interiors done to Gaudi's specifications. It's always good to book tickets in advance to beat the queues and more so if you want to go up the Nativity or Passion towers. Entry fee applicable. Credit cards accepted. There is airport style security check here, so make sure you carry the bear minimum to avoid unnecessary delays. Must see.
Chia Joel | Apr 1, 2018
Jaw dropping interior and exterior. A must visit icon in all of Barcelona. View it from all angles and head inside for a tour of this magnificent building. Highly recommend to stay nearby this area. Lots of food and shops around this area too. If architecture is your thing. You are gonna love this place.
Srihari Kotcherlakota | Apr 5, 2018
Fantastic place to visit. Good thing is if you book online, there is no need for printout. Audio guide is well designed. Absolutely ride the elevator up the tower for the view and take a good camera or a phone with a good camera. Allow 2hrs for the visit if you have tickets.
Fearocious | May 7, 2018
Well worth the visit to see the inside and it's amazing architecture. Interesting to see a building of this stature while it is being constructed. Taking the guided tour was also worth while. It is a very very busy place so definitely buy your ticket in advance on line. The only negative is that there are so many people (2000 enter per hour) that it is too crowded which takes a lot away from the experience.
Allen Gonczol | Apr 23, 2018
At first from the outside, I wasn't super impressed. It looked like any other old fancy church, except maybe a little bit fancier. But when I walked inside, I was absolutely blown away. I've visited churches all over Europe and there's nothing else like this. The space, the color from the stained glass, the sculptures... it was magnificent. I could have spent all day in there just staring at it's beauty. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone visiting Barcelona. In fact, I plan on returning once they finish the construction in 2026.
Edward Turner | Apr 17, 2018
Jaw dropping. Audio guide was excellent, clear, audible and informative as well as being very simple to use. Lots of people in but it never felt crowded and you could enjoy the experience at your own pace. There's no point going on about the architecture or colours or symbolism. Go. See for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
Vitória Fahed | Jun 5, 2018
One of the most beautiful places I have ever gone! It is just incredible! I've always heard people talk wonders about La Sagrada Familia and seen photos but the place is way better than in photos! It is a definitely must see when you are in Barcelona. Just perfect. Everything is flawless. I was amazed. I still am.
Clara Chan | May 30, 2018
I definitely recommend the audio tour. I had mine in English and it's really well done. They don't give you too much detailed information but enough to keep you interested in its architecture and history. It's to be completed in 8 years, and I'm sure I'll be back to see the finished church. It's a remarkable building!
Pål Brekke | Jun 13, 2018
An iconic building that deserves a visit, whether one has a religious inclination or not. The iconography is stunning, the level of planning and details are overwhelming, and the open and light internal space, with the sun shining through large, multicolour stained glass windows, is so different from any other cathedrals (or other buildings, for that matter) that it's a real experience just standing inside. The audio guide is worth getting. And don't forget the museum in the basement. Note that tickets are needed and often sold out in the day, so make sure to book a visit ahead of time using the official website! Entrance according to ticket times are strictly enforced.
Trevor Boxall | May 29, 2018
The most amazing jaw dropping building i have ever had the pleasure to experience. When you look at the outside you are impressed but just wait till you get inside! Wow! Booking in advance is a must and its worth paying extra to go up the towers and getting a view of the city and the building work. Will need to come back in 2026 once its finished
Mark Wellman | Jun 8, 2018
Spent a couple of hours here. Arrived before it opened and lined up for a few minutes...one of the first people in before it got too crowded. Colors inside were amazing. Remember it is an actual church and there are services going on during the day. Before it opened, and while we waited, we walked around and found a nice little breakfast shop. There were many choices in the area. Took the subway to and from. Take the extra time to go up one of the towers. Great views and very neat staircase. Buy tickets in advance to avoid the first line.
Sunita Lobo | Jul 10, 2018
One of the most beautiful churches I have been to. When I say beautiful, I mean the outside and the inside. The staff also was really nice. When we went there the passion tower lift was not working so they gave us a refund. The audio guide tells you everything about the place. The stained glasses and everything is so lovely. There are good eating places too around the Sagrada Familia. If you are in Barcelona you must visit this place.
Tanya Chu | Jul 6, 2018
The place is amazing! I would NOT recommend the tower tour though. Aside from the view of the city, which are better in other sites around the city, you don't see much. I toured the nativity tower. And sure, I saw the doves up-close but that was about it because the rest is still under construction and covered in tarp (see pictures posted). The audio guide was well done and helpful in understanding everything. But much of the content is also repeated in the movie inside (that comes with the General admission). Getting the audio guide will give you a richer and more thorough experience.
Inga Hannarr | Jul 9, 2018
I can’t believe I haven’t left a review until now! I’ve been 5 times in the last two years and it gets more breathtaking every time. Short answer - not to be missed. Long answer, well where to start! Simply stunning, a masterpiece of construction and artistic vision. The glass work alone is something to visit it for, so beautiful whatever time of day you go. The exhibition underneath is also definitely worth going through to see the inner workings of how everything was designed. A few words to the wise; book a head. The queues are long otherwise and this way you get a 15min window to queue jump. Make sure your bag isn’t full of junk, it will be checked before you go in. Just to save your embarrassment more than anything. And keep an eye on your valuables. This is a high traffic tourist area and can get very crowded inside and out side of the cathedral so be careful with your belongings!
Vitória Fahed | Jun 21, 2018
One of the most beautiful places I have ever been to! It is just incredible! I've always heard people talk wonders about La Sagrada Familia and seen photos but the place is way better than in photos! It is a definitely must see when you are in Barcelona. Just perfect. Everything is flawless. I was amazed. I still am.
William Heeley | Jul 8, 2018
From the outside, this place is really remarkable but the inside is where it really shines. I have never seen such a beautiful cathedral. It is possibly the most beautiful building I’ve ever entered, and at the time and season we visited there were not an overwhelming amount of other tourists. The price point was worth it, the entry process was pleasant and the experience isn’t to be missed. Don’t just admire from the outside, go in.
Jenna Hines | Jul 25, 2018
Most beautiful place in the world. I never thought I would have the chance to go there. It is such an amazingly breathtaking place. Bring tissues. We were able to get tickets less than a week out, but at that point there were more limitations in regards to time slots. Basic ticket is more than enough to see everything and learn at your own pace. There are vending machines near the bathrooms for water (very hot in mid-June). Could have easily spent a whole day exploring.
Nick Kastanis | Jul 19, 2018
This is a MUST visit when visiting Barcelona! The look from the outside is very distinguished but is not my favorite. However, the inside is amazing! We love to visit churches wherever we go and this is now one of my favorites. Be sure to come early and the day and get tickets as they are timed. Also be prepared for the crowds because it is always busy.
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