The Sagrada Familia is one of main landmarks in Barcelona. It is located downtown, in Eixample quarter. The construction began one and a half centuries ago, and it still has not been finished. Renowned Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi worked on this project for over 40 years. The Sagrada Familia is one of the most impressive Gaudi’s projects, and as such one of the city’s most important sights. There are 18 towers on the church that Gaudi designed, 12 of which are dedicated to disciples, 4 are devoted to evangelists, 1 is dedicated to Christ himself, and one is devoted to the Virgin Mary. You may climb to the of two towers that offer a beautiful view of the city. The exterior of the basilica Sagrada Familia is devoted to Christ’s birth, crucifixion, death and resurrection.
Gaudi had an active role in managing the construction works, until his death in 1926. He often requested to modify and adapt the project in order to realize everything he had imagined. It is little known that Gaudi only did the facade on the building dedicated to Christ’s birth with 4 spires because he knew he would never see it finished.
From 1914, Gaudi gave up on construction project, and solely focused on the temple. On 30 November, 1925, the construction of the first bell tower on the building dedicated to Christ’s birth was finished. At the same time, this was the last bit of progress Gaudi witnessed because he died on June 10, 1926, due to the consequences of a tragic accident that had happened 3 days earlier when he was hit by a tram.
Modern architects have troubles interpreting original designs due to the irregular shape of construction stones.
Upon entering the Sagrada Familia, there is an impression of entering a forest. The basilica’s interior is decorated with elegant columns in the shape of slender trees. The Sagrada Familia is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Ticket price for Sagrada Familia
Regular ticket price for the basilica 26 eur with audio guide
Regular ticket price for the basilica 27 eur - guided tour
Reduced ticket price 24 eur - for students up to 30 years of age
Reduced ticket price 21 eur - for pensioners
Children under 11 do not pay for tickets.
Regular ticket price for the basilica and visit to the towers 33 eur.
Working hours of Sagrada Familia
From November to February: from 9:00 to 18:00
In March and October: from 9:00 to 19:00
From April to September: 09:00 to 20:00
December 25 and 26, January 1 and 6: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Author of the article:
Ana Lazarević - correspondent for the city of Barcelona
Contact: [email protected]
Photo by Louisa Schaad on Unsplash
