Tips for visiting the Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is an emblematic monument in Barcelona and an architectural masterpiece that you should not miss if you visit the city. Designed by creative genius Antoni Gaudí, this incredible basilica attracts millions of visitors each year. If you are planning your visit to this iconic monument, here we offer you some tips so that you can enjoy the experience to the fullest:

1. Tickets

As we have already mentioned, the Sagrada Familia is one of the most popular places in the city. If you want to avoid long and unnecessary lines, buy your ticket online in advance and visit the basilica on the day you want and at the time that best suits you. suits. We explain the different types of tickets:

• General admission : Allows you to access the interior of the basilica and explore it at your own pace.

• Entrance with audio guide: Gives access to the interior of the basilica and also includes an audio guide through the official App.

• Guided tour : Discover the basilica with the help of a specialized guide.

• Entrance to the tower : If you want to enjoy the best panoramic views of Barcelona you can opt for the option with access to the basilica and also the climb to one of the towers. You can choose between a guided tour or an audio guide.

Other important information about tickets are:

• Children under 11 years old do not pay an entrance fee.

• There is no time limit once you enter. You can explore the basilica freely without having a specific departure time.

Is it possible to visit the Sagrada Familia for free?

On Sundays at 9:00 a.m. the Sagrada Familia celebrates a free mass that gives free access to the basilica, but if you want to use this trick to get in for free, we recommend that you go early because capacity is limited and there are usually long formations. queues.

2. Clothing inside the Temple

As it is a Catholic church, appropriate clothing is required and there are certain rules that must be met to enter, therefore it is prohibited to enter with:

• Transparent clothing,

• deep necklines and tank tops. Shoulders must be covered.

• Pants and skirts that do not cover at least half of the thigh.

• Swimwear Clothing

• originating from celebrations, such as costumes of any kind in order to attract attention.

It is also not allowed to enter barefoot, nor with caps or hats, for safety reasons.

The Sagrada Familia is a sacred place for many, so remember to behave with respect and consideration towards other visitors. Avoid making excessive noise, do not climb on the railings or touch the works of art, and respect the instructions of the venue's staff.

3. Best Visiting Time

If you are looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting the Sagrada Familia early in the morning, around 9:00 a.m. or during the afternoon, just before it closes. These times are usually less crowded and will allow you to enjoy a calmer and more relaxed experience.

Lighting is one of the most determining factors in choosing the time to visit the Temple, since Gaudí, in his design, played with the sun's rays and light to create an atmosphere of unique colors inside the basilica. During the morning the sun enters through the stained glass windows of the nativity façade, giving rise to green and bluish tones, while in the afternoon, the stained glass windows of the passion façade illuminate the temple in ocher and red colors.

Outer

4. Temple

The main façade through which access is made is the Nativity façade, the oldest of all, located on Carrer de la Marina. To photograph it, the best point is in Plaza Gaudí, on the other side of the pond from where you can capture the reflection of the Sagrada Familia in the water.

The other two façades are the Passion façade, which is dedicated to the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. And finally, the Facade of Glory which, once completed, will become the main façade and is dedicated to the glorious nature of Jesus, even after his death.

Interior

In addition to the Apse and the Main Nave that evokes wooded nature with its enormous tree-like columns, inside the Temple you can descend to the Crypt , where the mortal remains of the architect Antoni Gaudí rest and an exhibition about his life and work. You can also visit the Sagrada Familia Museum where models and plans are displayed that show the evolution of the project.

5. Which tower to visit?

If you have decided to choose a ticket with a visit to the towers, keep in mind that it is only possible to go up to one of the two available: the Birth Tower or the Passion Tower. If you choose the first you can cross the bridge that joins the two central towers of the façade, on the contrary, if you choose the Passion Tower you will enjoy the views of the sea.

With both options you go up by elevator and go down a very narrow spiral staircase with more than 500 steps, so the visit is not recommended for people with reduced mobility or claustrophobia.

6. When will the works be finished?

One of the most notable curiosities about the Sagrada Familia is its completion date. Before the pandemic hit, the plan was for the Temple to be completed in 2026, making its completion coincide with the centenary of Gaudí's death, but plans have changed and completion is no longer expected until 2030.

We tell you all the most interesting curiosities in our post of 10 curiosities about the Sagrada Familia target="_blank" .

A visit to the Sagrada Familia is a mandatory and totally unforgettable stop. If you follow these tips, you will be prepared to fully enjoy this magnificent monument.