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• Sagrada Família Ticket
• Sagrada Familia Oficial App
• Downloadable audioguide (only with Sagrada Familia Oficial app)

Ticket does not include a tower visit

• Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• To ensure your safety and the safety of everyone else visiting and working with us, please follow the rules laid down by our staff.
• Some spaces may be closed for safety reasons.
• Download the official Sagrada Família app and listen to the audioguide
• Duration: 45 minutes (standard) or 25 minutes (express).
• Not available for children 10 and under.
• Available in 17 languages: Catalan (CA), Spanish (ES), English (EN), French (FR), German (DE), Italian (IT), Chinese (ZH), Japanese (JA), Portuguese (PT), Russian (RU), Hungarian (HU), Korean (KO), Swedish (SV), Finnish (FI), Polish (PL), Dutch (NL) and Ukrainian (UK)
• Also available as an audio-description and sign-guides in Catalan, Spanish and International Sign.
• Once the audioguide is finished, you can continue visiting the Basilica at your own pace.

• Choose a time and language for your visit. 
• Available in 6 languages: Catalan (CA), Spanish (ES), English (EN), French (FR), Italian (IT) and German (DE).The number of languages available may vary by season.
• Approximate duration: 50 minutes.
• After the tour, you can continue exploring the Temple on your own.
• No more than 30 people per group.
• Children under three do not need a ticket.

• Visit just ONE of the towers.
• Visitors must take the lifts up to the top of the towers and walk down. This area is not adapted for visitors with functional diversity or reduced mobility.
• Children under 6 cannot visit the towers and those between 6 and 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• The towers may be closed for maintenance or due to bad weather.

Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

• If the towers are closed, the amount corresponding to the tower visit will be refunded but not the general ticket to visit the Basilica.
• Visitors must put any rucksacks or bags in the lockers provided before going up in the towers.
• No more than 30 people per group.

• You must download the Official Sagrada Família app to listen to the audioguide.
• Available in 17 languages: Catalan (CA), Spanish (ES), English (EN), French (FR), German (DE), Italian (IT), Chinese (ZH), Japanese (JA), Portuguese (PT), Russian (RU), Hungarian (HU), Korean (KO), Swedish (SV), Finnish (FI), Polish (PL), Dutch (NL) and Ukrainian (UK)

IMPORTANT NOTE

Official ticket vendors. Tickets without commissions.

If you have any problems purchasing tickets and/or downloading the app, contact the Booking Management Centre by phone on 931 980 705 or email at [email protected].

Sagrada Família is only responsible for tickets purchased on its official website www.sagradafamilia.org or from the official ticket supplier www.clorian.com.

Tickets free of charge for children under 11, disabled + 1 companion. Check discounts in FAQs page.

Your ticket is a contribution to the construction.

The Basilica is a space under construction. Routes and tours may be modified. The temporary closure of any of the spaces at the Basilica does not entitle visitors to any discount or refund of the ticket price.

No images may be recorded or broadcast for commercial or dissemination purposes without express permission from the Foundation.

You will have to go through security before entering.

Check the general terms and conditions for online ticket purchases here.

Títol Caiguda Clorian

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You can continue enjoying the experience from home with our virtual tours: https://sagradafamilia.org/en/virtual-tour

Sorry for the inconvenience. More information: https://tinyurl.com/y6q2t88p

For queries you can contact:

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Fast Track Guided Sagrada Familia Tour With Towers Access

Private sagrada familia tower tour.

Sagrada Familia from the heights

The Basilica of La Sagrada Familia is the most visited monument in Spain. Don’t think of just one more church: this impressive building doesn’t leave anyone indifferent. The height of its towers, over 100 meters (328 ft) the shortest ones, is already imposing. The columns inside, shaped like trees, make everyone stand in awe. Even more when the sunlight filters through the stained glasses, their colors reflecting on the columns and floor. And the engineering solutions and entire construction process, best discussed in their underground museum, is mind-blowing.

If there’s one building you need to see inside in Barcelona, it’s La Sagrada Familia. But what’s the best way to visit it? The tickets sell out quickly. Hoping to purchase them on the same day is not an option. And even if they are timed tickets, you still end standing in line to go in together with the many other people with tickets for your same time frame. Going early or late in the afternoon won’t make the trick either: tickets sell out any time of the day, what means there’s queues any time of the day.

So you need to stand in line no matter what? Isn’t there a way to skip lines? YES! Official private tour guides like the ForeverBarcelona team are entitled to use their priority access lane. It’s a special fast-track access separate from the normal visitors and the groups entrance. The wait there is minimal: the time it takes for your guide to get their control accreditation. You’ll feel like a VIP when you skip the lines with us!

And once inside, your private guide shows you around avoiding the crowded spots and finding the best views for you. You’ll get the basics, but you’ll also listen to human stories of the people who have contributed to the construction of La Sagrada Familia during over a century. You’ll see details that tourists on their own easily miss. And understand its symbolism and architecture. You’ll be able to ask as many questions as you want, unlike in a group tour where you may  get a couple of questions answered but need to respect the group dynamics. By the end of your guided tour, you’ll feel a true admiration for Gaudi, his people and those who followed.

And to top the cake, we’ll take you up the Sagrada Familia Towers to enjoy the views and experience the adventure of going down its steep spiraling stair.

THIS SAGRADA FAMILIA FAST TRACK GUIDED TOUR WITH TOWER ACCESS INCLUDES:

NATIVITY FAÇADE   |   INTERIOR   |   PASSION FAÇADE   |   MUSEUM   |   PASSION TOWERS (Spiral stairs & Views)

WHY THIS IS THE BEST SAGRADA FAMILIA TOUR WITH TOWER ACCESS

✓ Skip lines with our fast track priority access. No need to pre-purchase tickets yourself. ✓ Way more fun than boring audioguides. ✓ Much more personal than crowded public group tours. (And did you know you don’t get to skip the line in group tours? The group access lane is sloooooow!) ✓ La Sagrada Familia with a friendly expert. ✓  Climb the Passion Towers with elevator, walk down the spiral stairs. ✓ Get the best custom recommendations for the rest of your stay at the end of your private tour. ✓ A complete Sagrada Familia guided tour adapted to your interests and pace. ✓ And much more, in a private priority access tour just for you and your party!

SAGRADA FAMILIA TOUR WITH TOWER ACCESS FAQ

• THIS SKIP-THE-LINE TOUR RUNS : Every day.
• GUIDED TOUR LENGHT : 2 hours (1.5 hours if you prefer to do the Towers on your own without the guide).
• RECOMMENDED STARTING TIME : MORNING TOURS : Only available during the low season (November – March, except for the Christmas holidays) .  Anytime between 9AM and 12.30PM AFTERNOON TOURS : – April thru October : Anytime between 3 and 5.30PM (October until 4.30PM) – November thru March : 3 or 3.30PM (March until 4.30PM)
• WHERE DO WE MEET ? In Sagrada Familia.
• WHERE DO WE END ? Inside Sagrada Familia. You’ll be able to stay longer inside after the guided tour is over, if you wish (as long as it’s not their closing time already)
• IS THERE A CAFETERIA INSIDE ? No. There’s only vending machines. The area around Sagrada Familia isn’t great to eat either, but you’ll find our the best restaurants here .
• HOW DO WE MOVE AROUND ? This private guided tour is a 100% walking tour.
• IS THERE A DRESS CODE ? The dress code at La Sagrada Familia Church isn’t usually too strict, but they have occasionally banned access to people wearing short shorts (closer to their butts than to their knees), deep plunging necklines or open backs.
• IS THIS A SKIP-THE-LINE TOUR ? Yes, you’ll get inside Sagrada Familia via a fast-track private entrance. However, bear in mind that no one is allowed to skip the line into the Towers elevator (anyway, the wait is not too long).
• CAN WE WALK UP THE STAIRS INSTEAD OF TAKING THE ELEVATOR ? No. I’m afraid that for security reasons the way up is compulsory done by elevator.
• CAN WE TAKE THE ELEVATOR DOWN ? No. There’s not enough space up in the towers for people to wait for the elevator. This is why they do not let people take the elevator to go down. If you aren’t fit to walk down over 300 steps, please book our Sagrada Familia tour without towers instead.
• WHAT TOWERS DO WE VISIT ? Tour operators are only allowed to purchase tickets for the Passion Façade Towers, so that’s the towers you’ll be visiting. Unfortunately, the only way to visit the towers of the Nativity façade is going on your own and standing in line. It’s not possible to do both towers in the same visit, either, even if you visit on your own.
• IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT ? Children under 6 years of age are not allowed into the towers, for safety reasons.
• WHO SHOULD AVOID VISITING THE TOWERS ? THE TOWERS ARE NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR WHEELCHAIRS, AND NOT SUITABLE FOR PREGNANT LADIES, PEOPLE WITH HEART OR LUNG CONDITIONS, CLAUSTROPHOBIA OR FEAR OF HEIGHTS. CHILDREN UNDER 6 YO ARE NOT ALLOWED INTO THE TOWERS.
• WHAT IF SOME IN OUR PARTY WANT TO DO THE TOWERS BUT SOME OTHER DON’T ? Contact us so we can purchase the right tickets for your fast track tour, so you only pay the elevator for the number of people who will be going up. If there’s minors not going up the towers, we’ll need an adult to stay with them while the rest go up.

TRAVELLERS THAT TOOK OUR SKIP THE LINE LA SAGRADA FAMILIA GUIDED TOUR WITH TOWER ACCESS SAY:

“Miriam has given a lively insight of Antonio Gaudí’s livw and the creation of Sagrada Familia. Very knowledgable, humerous and excellent overall experience. She even organized that we could go to up to the towers. A lifetime experience!”

Read all the other reviews >>

TAILOR THIS LA SAGRADA FAMILIA TOUR WITH TOWERS TO YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS

Our Skip-The-Line Sagrada Familia Tour is the best choice for people that want real fast-track access to Sagrada Familia, explanations of its history and details that aren’t a memorized script but a speech adapted to you, as well as to climb the Sagrada Familia Towers.

If you are traveling with kids , this skip-the-lines guided tour is a good choice because they’ll get to learn but won’t have time to get overwhelmed or exhausted. Remember that kids under 6yo are not allowed into the towers, though. Contact us if there’s little ones in your party, so we can organize your tour accordingly and still get the older ones to visit the towers.

If you have walking issues or are on a wheelchair , I’m afraid this tour is not the right choice for you. Please check out our private priority access Sagrada Familia tour without towers .

If your budget is small , consider consider taking the shorter tour version, where you visit the towers on your own at the end of your fast track tour.

If you’d rather tour longer , check out our half day walking tours that include Sagrada Familia also skipping lines.

If you are on a cruise-ship,  remember that you’ll be given a convenient meeting point near the private priority access point (it should be easy to find a taxi at the pier to take you there). Pier pick-up and drop-off are not available for this guided tour.

If you are more than one day in Barcelona , we’ll be happy to customize other guided tours for you that don’t overlap with this one. Did you know we also offer private food tours and day trips out of town ?

This is a 100% private skip the line la Sagrada Familia guided tour with tower access, exclusive for you and your party. There is a base rate total per tour (no matter how many people you are), plus a per person rate to cover the entrance fees.

BASE RATE (paid once per tour):

• Full Itinerary
• Licensed Tour Guide
• Towers on your own after tour is over
• Towers with your private guide

SEE MORE SITES

• 3 Gaudi Masterpieces​
• Taxi rides not included

CHANGE YOUR TOUR DATE UNLIMITED TIMES * *Notifying us at least one week in advance. Click to learn more >>

ADDITIONAL PER PERSON FEES

Charged upon booking:

• Sagrada Familia: €32/person
• Tower Access ( €12/person )

* Costs are given as an orientation only, as they can change without notice. Discounts might apply for students and/or seniors.

More questions?     Inclusions   —   Exclusions   —   FAQ   —   Contact   —  Cancellation Policy

OFTEN BOOKED TOGETHER:

PRIVATE FLAMENCO & TAPAS BARCELONA TOUR

PRIVATE GIRONA GUIDED TOUR

PRIVATE BARRI GOTIC WALKING TOUR

Alternatives to our sagrada familia tour with towers:.

LA SAGRADA FAMILIA VIRTUAL TOUR

BEST OF ANTONI GAUDI TOUR

SAGRADA FAMILIA TOUR WITHOUT TOWER ACCESS

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La Sagrada Familia Church: The Famous Cathedral in Barcelona

Sagrada Familia Church is a UNESCO Heritage Site, the most visited church in Europe behind the Vatican, and Spain’s biggest tourist attraction by numbers.

Yup, this famous church in Barcelona just might be the most beautiful ever – and it’s not even finished yet!

Let’s figure out how to visit La Sagrada Familia like it’s not our first time around the block.

La Sagrada Familia Tickets

In the post-COVID world, to visit this Gaudi church it is now mandatory to buy your tickets online .

With the booking links below you can guarantee times, skip long lines, and go right in with smartphone tickets .

I strongly recommend purchasing them several weeks in advance because it’s the most visited monument in Spain.

In using the link below, you can lock in your spots with free cancellation tickets :

Also, upgrading to the English guided tour is strongly recommended as it unlocks the symbolism of this amazing church.

Here’s how to book yours:

Sagrada Familia English Guided Tours

Sagrada Familia guided tours are the best option for first-time visitors .

You get a 90-minute Sagrada Familia tour with an entertaining flesh-and-blood guide who knows this Antoni Gaudí church inside out.

English Sagrada Familia tour times are daily at 11:15 am and 1:30 pm.

🧐   |    Curious yet? Read hundreds of Sagrada Familia English tour reviews   now.

La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell Combo Tickets

Most tourists visit these 2 elite Barcelona attractions on the same day due to their proximity, and guaranteeing spots at both places with the same clicks is tidy business.

The famous Gaudi Bundle is the best way to do this, and even get a free city audio guide thrown in.

The ticket includes:

• Skip the line access at  La Sagrada Família with an official interior audio guide .
• Skip the line access at Park Güell with an app self-guided tour audio guide.
• Barcelona city audio guide with in-depth info on 100+ city sights.

The Gaudi Bundle prices are as follows:

• Adults:  €59.00
• Young adults (13-29): €55.00 
• Youth (11-12): €51.00 
• Senior (65+): €47.00 
• Kids (7-10): €14.00 
• Kids (0-6): free .

Sagrada Familia Fast Track Entrance + Audio Guide

The independent tour with audio guide is another great option, if basic.

This is the cheapest ticket, and you’ll get explanations of the architecture and history in English .

You’re free to stay at Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia as long as you want.

Audio guide ticket entrance slots run every 15 minutes from 9:00 am (last entrance 30 minutes before closing time) until closing.

* Barcelona visitors with a disability  above 65% have the right to an accompanied companion at the same price. There is also a sign language video guide.  To book this ticket write 24+ hours in advance to [email protected] .

Looking to book group tickets for 10+ guests? You’ll need to do so using the Sagrada Familia group ticket form .

Related : Is Sagrada Familia Worth it to Go Inside?

La Sagrada Família: The Famous Church in Barcelona

This epic creation (and Barcelona architecture staple) started after a bookseller’s 1872 trip to Italy.

There, he saw a comparatively uninspiring minor basilica called the Basilica della Santa Casa .

After this spark of inspiration, Sagrada Familia construction began in Barcelona in 1882. The ball got rolling under Francisco de Paula del Villar as a standard Gothic revival church.

He resigned in 1883.

⚠️  2024 Warning ⚠️ : It’s now mandatory to book your Sagrada Familia tickets in advance .

The only way to guarantee your spot is by booking Sagrada Familia tickets online:

• 🎟️ Buy now: Sagrada Familia Fast Track Admission (skip the lines)
• 👨‍✈️ Buy now: Sagrada Familia Guided Tours in English (90 minute guided tour – double the length!)
• 🏞️ Buy now: Sagrada Familia + Park Guell Combo (Barcelona’s top two attractions, one ticket)

Cue the arrival of the real architect: Antoni Gaudi .

It’s here that radical project changes begin . The famous church in Barcelona takes on a decidedly modernist look with nature as its inspiration .

Antoni Gaudi would die in 1926 with the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia only 20% complete.

Construction of this Gaudi church was later suspended during the Spanish Civil War, and his plans are burned by Anarchists. After the war, the construction is resumed by Gaudi’s contemporaries .

Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the Sagrada Familia church in 2010.

What to See at La Sagrada Família Basilica

The sagrada familia exterior.

The outside of the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família is pure impact – only a madman would envision this.

Calling for 18 spires representing the Twelve Apostles, the Virgin Mary, the four Evangelists, and Jesus Christ – the latter will rise to 172.5 meters above street level , one meter shorter than the highest point in the municipality of Barcelona: Montjuic .

Head architect Antoni Gaudi believed that his creation shouldn’t surpass one of God.

Recently, in December 2021, the Tower of the Virgin Mary was finally topped off with a placement of a massive, illuminated star – the first Sagrada Familia tower inaugurated since 1976.

At 137 meters, it’s the highest tower currently completed.

Like what you see above? That photo is a shot of the Passion Facade .

Inside the Basilica de La Sagrada Familia

The interior is like stepping into the heart of a rainbow: the colour beaming in through the stained glass windows is other-worldly.

The light coming in from the Nativity Façade sparkles with ocean blues and forest greens while the Passion façade glows red and yellow. You’ll be able to tell the time of the day (blue/green in the morning and red/yellow in the afternoon) by which colours dominate.

The columns supporting the Sagrada Familia were built to mirror trees and branches , each spanning various geometric forms.

None of the interior surfaces are flat, and the level of detail to the ornamentation is something to behold.

Toward the front of La Sagrada Familia, you’ll also be able to peek down into a small chapel (the only one constantly in use) and see Antoni Gaudi’s tomb  on the floor decorated with a series of burning candles.

Wanna see inside before going all in and getting tickets? Here’s a video preview of Sagrada Familia :

Sagrada Familia Opening Hours 2024

Again, as of January 2023, tickets are only available online, so it is mandatory to book a time slot in advance online.

This allows you at least one hour to visit the famous Barcelona church during the following hours:

• Sagrada Familia hours are as follows:

Bookable time slots are every 15 minutes (:00, :15, :30, :45).

Sagrada Familia mass times for international visitors are Sundays at 9:00 am.

Related : When Will Sagrada Familia be Finished?

Related : How Long Does it Take to Visit Sagrada Familia?

How to Get to La Sagrada Família

You’ll find La Sagrada Familia church at the top of the trendy Eixample district at 42 Calle Marina .

It is served by the Sagrada Familia stop of the Barcelona metro system stop (purple line L2 and blue line L5).

The area is served by buses 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50, 51, B20, B24, and V19 .

You can also get there using the Bus Turistic (blue line, Sagrada Familia stop).

Sagrada Familia Map Location

La sagrada família tips: mastering the big church in barcelona.

Showing up without tickets for Sagrada Familia and buying at the window means waiting in lines.

After 30+ minutes of queuing, you’ll be booking a time slot that is crowd dependent, so a 4:00 pm arrival could mean a 6:45 pm entrance.

To avoid the hassle, buy your Sagrada Familia tickets online .

Some other visiting tips for visiting Sagrada Familia ?

• Go before 10 am for the best shot of avoiding crowds.
• Set aside at least 90 minutes for the visit.
• Get there well in advance of your time slot, as they can be sticklers.
• Check my post on things to do after visiting Sagrada Familia to plan your next move.
• The more natural light, the better (sunset is great, but nights should be avoided).
• Print out your Sagrada Familia tickets if you can, as smartphone copies are hard to scan in the sun.
• Sit in the pews for at least 15 minutes to see the colours change as the sun moves.
• Keep an eye out for Barcelona pickpockets outside Gaudi’s cathedral.
• If you need to go to the bathroom, go to the Mcdonald’s outside beforehand!
• Avoid weekends if possible; the crowds at this church in Barcelona are a nightmare!
• You can grab a perfect selfie angle on the escalator at the Calle Marina metro exit.
• iPhone users: change to the ‘chrome’ photo filter to truly capture the colours of light.
• You may seriously want to stretch your neck as you’ll spend a lot of time looking up.
• Consider seeing the Recinto Modernista de Sant Pau (just 15 minutes away).
• Can’t decide a day? Check the Barcelona weather forecast and opt for the sunniest day.

🧑‍🎨 Want more of Gaudi? Unlock his masterpieces with the top Gaudi tours in Barcelona .

Related : Best Time to Visit Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia Barcelona FAQ

The Sagrada Familia is special because of its breathtaking architecture, visionary design by Antoni Gaudí, and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivating visitors with its beauty and unique spiritual experience.

The construction and ongoing maintenance of the Sagrada Familia are funded through a combination of private donations, ticket sales, and revenue generated from various sources, including souvenir sales and tourism.

The tallest part of Sagrada Familia is 115 meters (377 feet) tall – though the final tower will rise to 170 meters (560 feet) tall upon its completion in 2026 (estimated).

Yes, you can take photos inside Sagrada Familia though be mindful of the other visitors – you likely won’t line up that perfect shot as there are many visitors around.

Sagrada Familia is lit up between Monday to Thursday between 8:00 pm and 12:00 am.

Sagrada Familia means ‘holy family’ in Spanish.

No, Sagrada Familia is not free – you’ll have to pay for tickets to see it from the inside. Tickets start at €33.80 for basic admission and €48.00 for a guided tour in English.

Tickets for Sagrada Familia can be bought up to two months (60 days) in advance. It is recommended to buy tickets at least two weeks in advance in low season) or 30-60 days in advance in high season.

💸 Related : Are There Sagrada Familia Discounts?

Visiting the Gaudi Cathedral in Barcelona?

Feel free to write me with any Sagrada Familia questions you didn’t get answered here.

And don’t be afraid to join the La Sagrada Família Church discussion by joining my group; I’m Off to Barcelona . Here, you can ask any questions, air out grievances, and chat with thousands of Barcelona travellers.

Enjoy Barcelona’s famous church! ⛪

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• November 26, 2019 at 11:50 pm Pranav Chandrasekhar How did I NOT see this earlier? I am aware of a few of those restaurants. Planning on going to Sesamo on my final night but didn't realize it was a date spot.
• November 19, 2019 at 11:36 am Lucile Hola Emily, In the morning, the Sagrada Familia is dedicated to guided tours and tickets with audio guide. As you can see online, on November 28th, the basic tickets are available from 5pm. You can take the risk of buying your ticket at ticket windows but there are only 2 slots left for this day... Cheers, Lucile Reply

COMING OVER EASTER HOLIDAYS?

Remember that this is another high season in Barcelona and tickets sell out way in advance!

Make sure you’ve got your attraction tickets booked before you leave or you run the risk of being shut out.

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The Basilica of the Holy Family otherwise known as the Sagrada Familia is undoubtedly the most famous church in Barcelona, in the whole of the Iberian Peninsula. Every year the unfinished masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi climbs higher in the sky and the world awaits its grand unveiling. Entirely funded by donations, the church has been beset by many setbacks, not least the death of the genius Antoni Gaudi who conceived it leaving few schematic drawings. The Spanish Civil War halted progress with the destruction of Gaudi’s handmade models and most recently construction was halted by the COVID pandemic. Over the years, architects working on the project have struggled to realise Gaudi’s designs, as no real plans were left to copy. But thanks to the latest technology, changes in construction methods over the years and the dedication of generations of tradesmen work continues to complete the basilica. Despite the unfinished state of the basilica, it was awarded UNESCO world heritage status in 2005 and was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. The planned completion date was to be in 2026 to coincide with the centenary of Gaudi’s death, although that now looks unlikely.

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Sagrada familia tour information - 2024.

La Sagrada Família – An icon of Barcelona’s skyline and one of the most notable masterpieces by Antonio Gaudí.

The Basílica de la Sagrada Família! Yes! The famous Sagrada Familia is a huge, unfinished basilica in Barcelona’s Eixample region. The structure was designed by the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, whose work is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

La Sagrada Familia is without a doubt Barcelona’s most famous structure. It is a prominent attraction in Barcelona and one of the most spectacular monuments ever built. There is no other building in the world with such a brilliant combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. Want to find out about the types of Louvre tours on offer, we’ve got you covered.

Types of Sagrada Tours

There is a couple of options for a city tour of Sagrada. A few of the Sagrada tours should be taken into consideration. They are:

1. Sagrada Familia Guided Tour

On this guided tour of the basilica de la Sagrada Familia, you will experience an architectural paragon still in the making. Experience the jewel of Barcelona with our skip-the-line tickets. An expert guide walks you through Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia while keeping you entertained and engaged with the history of the basilica and anecdotes about the architect’s life.

Enter the basilica and marvel at the interior’s awe-inspiring pillar forest. Take in the vibrant light from the stained-glass windows and you’ll understand why Gaudí claimed: “the sun is the best painter.”

A colorful collision of Gothic and Art Nouveau designs awaits you. With the help of your guide, focus on the symbolic details and modernist renderings of the Holy Family. Hear how the present construction project is coming along after more than a century of hard work.

Learn more about Gaudí’s life via his work and the impact he left behind as you stroll around the basilica. Enjoy the freedom to continue exploring with your newfound knowledge at the end of the tour. Highlights

• Head straight inside with an expert guide to learn about the history of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed cathedral with your skip-the-line priority access tickets.
• Admire the beautiful ceilings and stained-glass windows of this architectural marvel.
• See displays on the history of the building, which traces its evolution since the nineteenth century.
• Marvel at this unfinished masterpiece by Antonio Gaudí while getting an insight into the creator’s life by your guide.
• Experience how the afternoon rays enter through the colorful windows and transform the rooms into a surreal magical setting.
• Get a Sagrada Familia guided tour to the museum to witness the monument’s original concept sketches and plaster models.
• Learn about the significance of Gaudí s modernist architecture.
• With your guide, unravel the layers of visuals and then continue exploring the basilica de la Sagrada Familia on your own.
• Skip-the-line tickets for la Sagrada Familia tour
• Full access to the Sagrada Familia Towers
• Optional audio guides in multiple languages including English, French, and Spanish.

2. Private Tour Sagrada Familia

On this private tour, learn everything there is to know about the father of modernist architecture. With your professional local guide, tour his most iconic structures and the areas he frequented. Take a stroll around the Plaza Real, an exquisite area with lighting designed by a young Gaudi.

Then pay a visit to Palau Güell, one of his earliest works, a simple edifice in the Raval Quarter devoid of the elaborate exterior ornamentation that marked his later works. Before leaving the Old City, you’ll stop by Antoni Gaudi’s and Pablo Picasso’s favorite tavern.

Finally, Gaudi cathedral, basilica de la Sagrada Familia. Enter with your skip-the-line tickets and witness one of the most fascinating religious temples in the world. Before departing, your guide will show the two main exterior facades, give you your skip-the-line tickets with audio-guide, as well as tips to make the most of your Sagrada Familia visit.

This Gaudi Barcelona Sagrada Familia tour is private, and it may be tailored to your specific needs.

• Barcelona and Gaudi are two ideas that are inextricably linked. On this trip, you learn everything you need to know about the father of modernist architecture while visiting some of his most iconic structures.
• Visit Palau Güell and Take a stroll down Paseo de Gracia that showcases masterpieces By Antonio Gaudi and other renowned architects of the time.
• Finally, there’s Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia. With your skip-the-line tickets, you’ll be able to experience one of the world’s most fascinating religious temples without waiting in queues.
• With your private guide, enter through a separate entrance on this Sagrada Familia Tour.
• As you gaze up at the tree-like pillars and softly illuminated from the stained-glass windows, marvel at Gaudí’s mastery of modernism.
• Immerse yourself in the basilica’s construction history, taking note of recent milestones and subsequent additions.
• Allow your guide to interpret and enlighten you on the architect’s use of symbolism to express Christian ideology on this private tour of Sagrada Familia.
• Get a behind-the-scenes look at Barcelona’s most famous monument and its long-awaited construction.
• Private 3-hour trip with a local multilingual guide.
• Skip-the-line tickets for Sagrada Familia.
• Enter through a separate entrance to avoid the crowds.
• Audio-guided tour is available in multiple languages including English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and German.

3. Sagrada Familia Tower Tour

Inside Gaudi’s unfinished masterwork, the Sagrada Familia, don’t miss any of the nuances. Allow your tour guide to point out the nativity and passion facades. Then pass through the massive doors with hand-carved vines.

Look out in front of you at the rows and rows of tree-like pillars that seem to reach the heavens. Be amazed and awed at the colorful stained-glass windows painting the room with the rays of light passing through.

As you learn about the church’s history, keep an eye out for Christian iconography. Your guide will keep you engaged throughout the Sagrada Familia tour of the towers while they explain the symbolism that gives life to the stonework as you gain a better understanding of Gaudi’s vision.

At the conclusion of your tour, climb one of the basilica’s towers to get a bird’s-eye view of Barcelona. Return to ground level and explore the monument to your heart’s content.

• Take a guided Sagrada Familia tour, Barcelona’s most prominent monument, Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, to avoid the ticket line-ups.
• A small tour group of no more than 20 people.
• A qualified multilingual guide will take you on an in-depth tour of this UNESCO-listed historic landmark.
• Witness Gaudi’s art and his unfinished masterpiece during this basilica tour.
• Learn more about the life and work of architect Antoni Gaud.
• Enjoy a panoramic and breath-taking view of the city from one of the towers.
• Sagrada Familia guided tour
• Sagrada Familia access
• Sagrada Familia Towers access
• Live multilingual tour guides
• Headsets are provided to hear your guide better.

Sagrada Familia Tours – Which One is Best?

Are you wondering which of the many Sagrada Familia tours is right for you? On this page, you will find a comprehensive guide to Sagrada Família tours, including private tours, group tours, audioguide tours, combos and more!

One of the best ways of visiting Sagrada Família is on a tour, which is sure to enhance your knowledge and appreciation for this feat of architecture and symbol of Barcelona.

Don’t you feel like reading ahead? Click here to book your Sagrada Familia tour .

Sagrada Família tours — Is it worth taking a tour?

When it comes to the Sagrada Família, there is nothing that speaks as loud as its history, which is full of culture and religion. The Sagrada Família is actually a basilica in which people do attend mass every Sunday, but it is also one of the greatest architectural attractions in Barcelona , and even the world.

Construction on Sagrada Família first began in 1882, and has become a foremost example of Catalan Modernism. Antoni Gaudí was the leading architect of the basilica, and his unique style has created one of the most singular architectural buildings that is imbued with storytelling, symbolism and reverence. While he did not live to see the completion of Sagrada Família as construction continues today, Gaudí’s mark on Barcelona lives on.

There is actually a great deal to learn about the Sagrada Família, and it is well worth spending time in its hallowed walls. If you are planning to visit the Sagrada Família, you have two main options:

1 – The first option is that you take your time to visit the basilica at your own pace with an audioguide directing you along. You will need to book an entrance ticket which includes the audioguided tour.

Hot tip: Check out our complete guide about Sagrada Familia tickets price .

2 – The second one, which we highly recommend, is the use of a knowledgeable tour guide who will ensure that you understand in detail every aspect of the basilica during an in-depth tour.

So let’s get back to the main question — is booking a tour for Sagrada Família worth it?

The benefits of having a tour guide for your visit to Sagrada Família supersede the pros of going to the basilica by yourself, because you may actually miss many of the most important aspects of Sagrada Família on your own.

Here are some of the major advantages of booking a guided tour:

Easy: Once you book your tour guide, they will be responsible for buying your tickets according to your visit of choice, and you will not have to do anything apart from being ready and showing up on time.

Answer your questions: One thing we love about having tour guides is having our questions answered. Tour guides are well conversant with the history of Sagrada Família and have in-depth knowledge of the basilica. You wouldn’t have to Google any of the things you see in order to understand them. It is also far more meaningful to have that human interaction with your guide, and it brings a greater level of connection on your travels.

Never miss anything: You can rest assured that you will not miss an important highlight of the Sagrada Família when you have a guided tour. With so many intricate details outside and inside the basilica, your guide will be able to point all of them out. Some things you tend to overlook are actually the real deal!

Sagrada Família tours — Which one is right for you?

This definitely tops the list of the most frequent questions we get — which tour is ideal for visiting the Sagrada Família? Well, we wouldn’t pinpoint what exactly is the right tour, because that solely depends on two basic things: what you are looking forward to seeing and your budget for your travels.

When it comes to the things you want to see, there are two fundamental ways of viewing the Sagrada Família:

• Sagrada Família only
• Sagrada Família including the towers

There are tours that cover only the main exterior and interior areas of the Sagrada Família, but there are other tours that include access to one of the towers on either the Nativity facade or the Passion facade. The towers can only be accessed with a specific ticket, but you will find several offers for each tour type.

For all Sagrada Família guided tours, you will have a skip-the-line ticket, as well as a licensed tour guide with you through all the stages of the tour. The tour guides are very well-versed in the history of the basilica and will also give great recommendations for places to visit in Barcelona during the tour!

There is a variety of different options for tours with the Sagrada Família, including:

• Audioguided tours
• Guided group tours
• Tours including tower access
• Private tours
• Express tours
• Kids and family tours
• Early morning tours
• Combo guided tours including other attractions

1. Sagrada Familia audioguided tours

The cheapest tour option for visiting Sagrada Família is with the standard ticket that includes an audioguide. This ticket costs €26 and can be purchased on the Sagrada Família website or app. You can download the audioguide through the app, and can choose whether you want an express 25-minute audio tour or a 45-minute audio tour. The audioguide is also available in 17 different languages, appealing to a variety of nationalities.

This is a considerable choice if you opt out of a guided tour, because you will still get better information than you could from printed pamphlets or googling. A benefit of a self-guided tour is that you will be able to enjoy the basilica at your own pace, taking as much time as you like between different points of interest.

However, we would still recommend the guided tour option. This personal experience always brings life to your tour and makes it so much more engaging. The tour guide’s rich knowledge of the monument’s history is invaluable.

If you would still prefer to go for the Sagrada Família audioguided tour, you need to book for this option when you pre-order your ticket online. You can also opt to buy a ticket that includes tower access along with an audioguided tour.

• Sagrada Familia audioguided tours

2. Sagrada Família guided group tours

This is usually one of the most popular Sagrada Família tours that cater to travelers that intend to visit the basilica as a group. For this package, you get skip-the-line entry as well as a very experienced and knowledgeable guide who will show your group specific areas of where to go, what to see and what not to miss sight of.

The groups are usually around 30 people where you will be given “whisper” headphones, where the guides will speak in a normal tone and you will easily hear them, instead of them having to shout to the whole group of 30 people and disturbing other visitors.

Many people would often refer to themselves as a small group and opt for the small-group tours when actually there are approximately 20-30 people. This is different to when you take a private tour, because you will know in advance how many people will be with you.

Of course, group tours are affordable and you will get the benefit of having a guided visit without spending much more than with an audioguide. Guided tours run by Sagrada Família typically last around 50 minutes, but some guided tour options can last from 1.5 to 2 hours. Some guided tour tickets will also grant you access to one of the towers.

• Sagrada Familia group tours

3. Sagrada Família tours including tower access

Whether you opt for a guided tour or self-guided audio tour, you can get tickets for tours that specifically include access to one of the towers of Sagrada Família.

The towers are a defining element of Sagrada Família, as they extend above the Barcelona skyline and give it its characteristic edge. With your ticket, you will be able to access one of the towers of Sagrada Família on either the Passion facade or the Nativity facade.

You can reach the top of the towers using a lift, but you will have to take stairs back down to the bottom. At the top, you will not only have exceptional views of the city, but you’ll be able to see the continuing construction of the basilica from this vantage point.

However, given the height of the towers and the narrow staircase, a visit to the Sagrada Família towers is not recommended for people who are afraid of heights or are claustrophobic.

• Sagrada Familia towers tours

4. Sagrada Família private tours

Going for the private tour is such an amazing thing that we would highly recommend for the Sagrada Família. It accrues many benefits that you wouldn’t have on your own or even on a guided group tour. Private tours do often cost higher than standard group tours, but come with many advantages including perks, privacy and flexibility.

Most private tour guides are very much conversant with the history of the monument, so it would be easy for them to assess for you what to see. Within your own speed and level of understanding, you could ask them as many questions as possible until you have a comprehensive knowledge of Sagrada Família. You will also have the benefit of being with your own select group, creating a more intimate and personal experience.

Another great aspect we love about private tours is that many of them can come to pick you up in a comfortable vehicle from your hotel and even drop you back off at the end. Some private tours also give you increased flexibility to add different stops around Barcelona that you may wish to visit.

Depending on your private tour option, you may also get to enjoy perks such as an included glass of cava, coffee at Picasso’s favorite restaurant or a hearty tapas meal!

Numerous ticket websites sell the Sagrada Família tickets that have the private tours available, and the prices vary. Check out TourScanner to compare the best possible prices before you book your ticket.

• Sagrada Familia private tours

5. Sagrada Familia express tours

The Sagrada Família express tours are tours for people that have a limited and short time frame to visit the basilica. Within one and half hours, you will be done with your guided tour. Priority access will also save you on time, providing you with fast-track entry that skips all the major queues.

If you really want to visit the Sagrada Família and have a very short time frame to visit it because of personal commitments or time just wouldn’t allow you, we highly suggest you go for one of the express packages. You can be done within the morning and still have a whole day ahead of you to continue exploring Barcelona!

• Sagrada Familia express tours

6. Kids and family Sagrada Família tours

If you are going to the Sagrada Família with your kids or family members, we highly recommend that you check out the available family packages. With kids’ interests at heart, the kids and family tours are designed in such a way that many of them are private tours giving you and your family full rein to explore and have fun.

This is a great way to bond as a family, and private tour guides make it easier for kids to quench their curiosity when it comes to the numerous questions they generally have. These guides are certified and know exactly how to tailor a tour for children.

Not only that, kids and family tours are filled with games and other activities, ensuring the little ones are always engaged and having fun. Many family tours go beyond Sagrada Família to visit other exciting locations such as Park Güell and the Gothic Quarter.

This package is also great when you are considering combo activities that you would do when you have kids with you. The guides will offer valuable advice on where to visit and what best works for the entire family.

• Sagrada Familia tours for kids & family

7. Avoid the crowd — Early morning Sagrada Família tours

One thing that the Sagrada Família never runs out of is a crowd. During the peak hours of midday, it can be filled with people. A great way to avoid the large crowd is by opting for the early morning Sagrada Família tours that will ensure you are within the basilica at the first possible hour.

By getting in the Sagrada Família in the morning when it opens, you will beat the crowd of the midday and afternoon. You’ll also benefit from a quieter space, helping you to better listen to your audioguide or guide as they speak. What a great way to avoid the congestion and commotion!

• Sagrada Familia early morning tours

Combos — Tips for booking guided tours of the Sagrada Família and other attractions in Barcelona

When it comes to finally choosing your guided tour option for Sagrada Família, you could also check out combos to add to your tickets and other things to do in Barcelona .

On a combo ticket, you will definitely get the tickets to enter the basilica, but you could also take advantage of other sites and attractions around Barcelona and explore them.

There are various options that you could choose from and you can compare the prices to land on your best pick. For example, you could book a Sagrada Família tour that will include Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, the Park Güell, Montserrat or many combined in one.

One thing we like about the combos is that you will have the prices reduced as compared to how you would visit each of the monuments and sites separately. Another good thing is that having the same guide makes it easy when it comes to having direct conversations, and you can comfortably ask questions.

You will never miss a sight, and they will offer great advice in matters of where to have pictures and the best shots of the different attraction sites you will be visiting.

We highly advise that you compare the prices before you book anything on different websites that offer the same kind of service for discounts or group charges.

Here are some more details about the combo tour options and what you will see.

• Sagrada Familia combo tours

Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló

Add to your experience of Sagrada Família by visiting another of Gaudí’s famous works, the Casa Batlló. Gaudí was commissioned by the owner of Casa Batlló, Josep Batlló, to oversee its demolition and reconstruction. However, Gaudí advised against demolishing, instead turning it into a work of art.

With its colorful mosaic facades and undulating roof, Casa Batlló reflects an ocean brought to life. While the true intention of Gaudí’s work is unknown, many have interpreted it as being inspired by the marine world or by the tale of Saint George, who slayed a dragon.

Subsequently, Casa Batlló became known as the house of the dragon or house of bones. Casa Batlló is also most commonly referred to as the house of masks. This is due to the shape of the balconies at the front of the house, which seemingly reflect carnival masks.

The interiors of Casa Batlló are equally fantastical and breathtaking. The influence of nature can be seen throughout, from the entrance hall to the loft and patio of light.

During a guided tour, you will discover more about what made Casa Batlló not just a stunning complex, but a groundbreaking piece of architecture.

• Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló tours

Sagrada Família and Park Güell

Park Güell is arguably Gaudí’s most famous creation after Sagrada Família, and makes for the ideal combo tour. Park Güell truly reflects Gaudí’s reverence for nature and how it influenced his art and design. Spanning approximately 18 hectares, Park Güell consists of a forest zone and a monumental zone, where you may find Gaudí’s iconic work.

Originally designed to be an estate, Park Güell was eventually transformed into a public park. Here, you can discover Gaudí’s famed Dragon Stairway, marked by the unique salamander sculpture decorated in an innovative mosaic design.

A guided tour will provide you with further historical context into the development and creation of Park Güell, and bring your attention to many details hidden around the park that you may otherwise miss!

• Sagrada Família and Park Güell tours

Sagrada Família and La Pedrera

La Pedrera, also known as Casa Milà, is in fact located on the same street as Casa Batlló and are within walking distance of each other. However, they are somewhat different in style. While Casa Batlló is vivid and brightly colored, La Pedrera is monotone in color while still retaining that classic undulating and organic style of Gaudí’s.

La Pedrera is in fact known as the “stone quarry” for its likeness to a quarry but is a feat of architecture and design. This was also the last civil architectural project Gaudí committed to. In the last years of his life, he wholly dedicated himself to the building of Sagrada Família. Originally a residential apartment complex, there are some families who still live in La Pedrera, and have done so for more than 70 years!

A guided tour of La Pedrera may give you a fascinating insight into the history of the building, some of the controversy it caused and why it is today considered a major accomplishment and an integral part of Barcelona.

• Sagrada Família and La Pedrera tours

Sagrada Família and Montserrat

You can embark on a fascinating combo tour to both Sagrada Família and Montserrat in a single day. Montserrat is located about 1 hour outside of Barcelona, and is home to an ancient and legendary monastery. Combining Sagrada Família and Montserrat will give you a deeply fulfilling experience exploring two notable places of worship in Barcelona.

Monsterrat in fact inspired Gaudi in his design of Sagrada Família. Today you can take an exciting cable car ride up the mountains for incredible views of the scenery.

Here, you can then visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, which dates back as far as the 11th century and continues to serve as a residence for monks. It is also home to the famous Virgin of Montserrat statue, a rare Black Madonna that originates from the 12th century.

You can also roam among the mountain paths, and even visit the Holy Cave, said to be the site where shepherds witnessed visions of the Virgin Mary in 880.

• Sagrada Família and Montserrat tours

What will you see on a tour of Sagrada Família?

From the detailed facades to the breathtaking interiors, there is so much to see and learn about on a tour of Sagrada Família. Given the magnitude of the basilica, its over 100-year-long construction history and its layers of symbolism, we highly recommend a guided tour to uncover the full depth of Sagrada Família.

While viewing Sagrada Família, you will also uncover a great deal about the life of Gaudí, the visionary architect behind the basilica. Gaudí did not live to see the completion of Sagrada Família, but two sections he oversaw the creation of, the crypt and the Nativity facade, are recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to his work. Here are some of the notable sights you will see at Sagrada Família.

Sagrada Família towers

A defining aspect of the Barcelona skyline, the Sagrada Família towers are the first thing you will notice about the grand basilica. In the final construction, there are expected to be 18 towers in total — furthermore, the highest tower will mean Sagrada Família will be the tallest church building in the world!

The 18 towers all possess specific symbolism. Twelve of the towers represent the apostles, while a further four towers represent the evangelists — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Towering above these is the tower of the Virgin Mary which was recently completed and includes a magnificent shining star at the top. The final tower will be the tower of Jesus Christ, which will stand above them all at an impressive height of 172 meters.

Currently, you access one tower per visit on either the Nativity facade or the Passion facade. From this vantage point you will be able to observe the continuing construction and the stunning city of Barcelona.

Nativity facade

Breathtaking in its detail and fluid sculptural forms, the Nativity facade depicts the early life of Jesus with incredible symbolism. Gaudi was heavily influenced by nature in life and in his architecture, and nowhere is this clearer to see than the Nativity facade.

Ducks, flowers, bees and dragonflies among others decorate the facade among scenes from Jesus’s life. You may find yourself gazing in awe at the details. A guide will be able to assist in picking out minutiae you may miss, and will be able to describe what each sculpture represents.

Passion facade

The Passion facade stands in direct contrast to the Nativity facade. The sculptures here are austere and angular in form, and are designed to be almost frightening. This is because the Passion facade depicts the death of Jesus.

While construction began on the Passion facade in 1954, it was recently completed in 2018. The final facade to make up the Sagrada Família is the Glory facade, which will portray the glory of Jesus. Construction is still continuing on the Glory facade, but on completion, it will bring the story of Jesus and the Sagrada Família full circle.

Sagrada Família interiors

The Sagrada Família interiors are utterly awe-inspiring, and it would be well worth your time to spend a few hours here soaking up the atmosphere.

Gaudí designed the interior of Sagrada Família to be reflective of a great forest, with double-twist columns jutting into the ceiling and creating the illusion of towering trees. Gaudí specifically designed this entirely new type of column for the Sagrada Família.

Stained-glass windows decorate the basilica, with each color of glass corresponding with and representing different periods in the life of Jesus, from passionate reds to natural greens.

Feel free to take the time to reflect in this sacred space! If you wish, you can even attend a free mass at Sagrada Família, which we detail below.

Sagrada Família museum and Gaudí’s tomb

To add to your understanding of the history of Sagrada Família, you can visit a museum that is situated within the basilica. Here, you will find models, pages and other documents that detail the construction of the basilica over the decades.

Near to the museum is also the tomb of Sagrada Família’s architect, Gaudí. In the last years of his life, Gaudí became increasingly solitary and pious as he dedicated all of his time, energy and focus to the construction of Sagrada Família.

In fact, he was known as “God’s architect” who intended for the basilica to be a bible written in stone. Tragically, in 1926 Gaudí was struck by a tram and died a few days later. He had become so modest he was initially mistaken for a beggar due to the clothes he was wearing.

However, he was laid to rest within Sagrada Família, an honor to the architect who came to define Catalan Modernism and contribute so greatly to the image of Barcelona.

Are there any free Sagrada Família tours?

Unfortunately, there are no available free guided tours of Sagrada Família. The lowest ticket price that is available is the audioguided tour.

However, there are two other options where you can see Sagrada Família for free:

Free walking tour

• Attend mass at Sagrada Família

There are multiple free walking tour options available where you have the opportunity to learn a great deal about Sagrada Família. The only downside is that you won’t be able to enter the basilica. However, this is a good tour option for learning more about Gaudi, his life and his other works on a budget.

Some walking tours will go to a few of his other buildings, and give you a comprehensive understanding of his architectural style and his historical context. Keep in mind that it is standard to tip guides after your tour at the rate you wish. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, bring a bottle of water and dress appropriately for the weather.

Mass at Sagrada Família

It is possible to enter Sagrada Família for free without joining a guided tour. Every Sunday, mass is held at 9 AM and anyone is free to join. We recommend arriving quite a bit earlier in order to get your seats, as capacity is limited. This is an excellent way of experiencing the Sagrada Família as it is intended to be used, and you may find this to be a profound experience.

It is very important to note that because Sagrada Família is a place of worship you need to behave respectfully and dress appropriately. The basilica has a clear dress code that does not allow the wearing of swimwear, see-through clothing or pants that are shorter than mid-thigh. You may not enter barefoot.

You are also not allowed to wear any clothing for specific festive celebrations or dress in a way to bring attention to a specific purpose. If you do not adhere to the dress code you may be asked to leave the basilica.

You can check out the official Sagrada Familia website for the Sunday mass schedules and for any special mass events that are invitation only.

Can you cancel or modify your Sagrada Família tour?

When it comes to the cancelation and modification of the tour, this entirely depends on the terms and conditions of the tour operator you will be using.

Most tour operators accept cancelations or modifications for free 24 hours ahead of your tour. However, cancelations are not always possible. Some tours are entirely non-refundable or cannot be modified. We highly recommend that you know the terms and conditions of your tour before booking them.

Are any Sagrada Família tours included in the Barcelona Pass?

Unfortunately, guided tours are not included in the Barcelona Pass. A Barcelona Pass will get you entry into Sagrada Família and include the audioguided tour. You can also opt to get Barcelona Pass that includes access to one of the tours as well as the audioguide.

• The Barcelona Pass

Travel tips

Book your tour in advance

Sagrada Família receives nearly 4 million visitors every year, meaning tickets and tours sell out quickly! The best way to secure your visit to Sagrada Família is by booking your ticket in advance.

On the official Sagrada Família website, you can book your tickets up to two months in advance. Check out other tour sites and ticket resellers for other options, especially if you are booking last minute. TourScanner aggregates all of these deals for you, making it easy to find the best tour options in a short amount of time!

The benefits of booking in advance are that you can be more selective in what type of tour you choose and the times of your tour. It also means you will have priority access to the basilica and will miss any major queues.

Time your visit carefully

Sagrada Família is so expansive we recommend exploring its grounds for between 2 to 3 hours. Try to find a lengthier guided tour that will delve deep into the details, and also give you free time to savor this sacred space.

It would also be worth considering trying to visit the basilica in the late afternoon. This is when sunlight streams through the stained-glass windows, creating an otherworldly atmosphere and the ideal photo opportunity.

Keep in mind it’s also very important to arrive on time. Tickets have timed slots for entry into Sagrada Família, and if you’re late, you’ll miss your slot!

Because the Sagrada Família is a basilica and an important place of worship, there is a strict dress code. Make sure you adhere to the rules and dress accordingly, otherwise you may be asked to leave.

We also recommend wearing comfortable shoes for your visit. You will likely be on your feet for the entirety of your tour of the expansive basilica, and don’t want to risk being in any discomfort. This will also be essential for walking down the tower stairs if you opt to include that in your visit!

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Guide to Visiting the Sagrada Familia 2024: Tickets, Tips and More!

Last updated: January 1, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 9 Comments

If you’re visiting Barcelona, there’s a good chance you are planning on visiting the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, commonly referred to as just the Sagrada Familia.

This magnificent building is a must-see in our opinion, and is high on the to-do list of most visitors to the city.

Because it’s so popular, you do need to do a bit of planning prior to your visit. At busier times of year, tickets can sell out. There’s also a lot to see and do here, as well as some choices you have to make before you buy your Sagrada Familia ticket.

We would also like to preface this guide with a note that currently the Sagrada Familia is an active construction site. This means different areas of the building may close, timings may change and access may vary. We will endeavour to keep this page as up to date as possible, but please do check the official website as well for relevant information.

In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know to help you plan your visit to the Sagrada Familia.

This will include a brief history of the Sagrada Familia, tips on getting to the Sagrada Familia, where to buy tickets for the Sagrada Familia, and lots more! Let’s get started by learning a bit about the Sagrada Familia itself.

What is the Sagrada Familia?

The Sagrada Familia is a huge Roman Catholic church in Barcelona. It’s classified as a minor basilica in the Roman Catholic church, and was consecrated as such by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.

This unique building was the masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí, a Catalan architect responsible for a number of impressive buildings across Barcelona and the wider region. He was also a devout Catholic and was best known for his work in the Modernisme , or Catalan Modernism style.

Some of his other most popular works in Barcelona include La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, and Park Guell. You can see a full list of all his work in Barcelona in our guide to Gaudí sites in Barcelona

Construction of the Sagrada Familia started in 1882, and at the time of writing, is still ongoing. Gaudi died tragically in 1926, and work on the Basilica was interrupted by the Spanish Civil war in 1936. It resumed in 1940, and has been ongoing to this day.

Funding for the Sagrada Familia is entirely private, with no support from the government or Church. It was initially funded by private donors, but today much of the income is from visitor ticket sales. So when you visit, know that your money is going directly to helping finish this incredible building!

When Will the Sagrada Familia Be Finished?

Current estimates for the full completion of the Sagrada Familia are between 2030 and 2032.

The majority of the church structure and steeples were hoped to be complete by 2026, the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death, however this is looking unlikely at the present.

The fun thing about visiting a building that is under construction is that every time you visit it will look a bit different. The downside is that, well, it is an active building site. So expect to see workers, cranes, and all the other aspects that you might expect from a building site!

Where is the Sagrada Familia?

The official address for the Sagrada Familia is Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Spain. You can see it here on Google Maps.

The Sagrada Familia basically takes up a whole block to the north west of the city centre. It’s sandwiched between two small parks, Plaça de Gaudí to the northeast and Plaça de la Sagrada Família to the southwest.

How to Get to the Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is a little north east of the city centre, and you have a number of options for getting here.

First, you can walk. From Plaça de Catalunya it’s approximately a 2.4km / 1.5 mile walk, which should take around half an hour.

The next option is public transport. There’s a metro station right next to the church, and the stop name is Sagrada Familia. This services subway lines L2 and L5, and you can get to the Sagrada Familia in around 15-20 minutes from most stops in central Barcelona.

You can also take the public bus, although depending on traffic this will likely take a little longer than the subway, on average around 30 minutes.

Taxis are also widely available in Barcelona. The taxi fare from central Barcelona to the Sagrada Familia will vary, but expect to pay between €6 and €10 depending on where you ride from. Make sure you hail only a licensed cab, these are yellow and black. Free taxis will have green lights in the windows which you can hail, or you can find a taxi stand.

Finally, the Barcelona Bus Turístic (Hop on Hop off bus) has a stop directly outside the Sagrada Familia. This bus route also includes sites like  Sant Pau Recinte de la Moderniste and Park Guell, and is a great way to see the city.

You can either buy the Barcelona Bus Turistic ticket directly here , or purchase it as part of a sightseeing pass for Barcelona. For example, it’s included on the Barcelona City Pass and the Go Barcelona Pass .

These passes have a variety of includes and benefits, which you can read more about in our guide to the various Barcelona City Passes here .

Is the Sagrada Familia Open?

Yes, the Sagrada Familia is open. It was closed for seven months, but reopened for visitors on the 29th May 2021.

Sagrada Familia Opening Times

In normal times, the Sagrada Familia is open every day of the year, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Dates and times vary depending on the time of year, and are normally as follows:

• January to February: Monday – Saturday 9 am to 6 pm. Sundays 10.30am – 6pm.
• March: Monday – Saturday 9am to 7pm. Sundays 10.30am – 7pm.
• April to September: Monday – Saturday 9am to 8pm. Sundays 10.30am – 8pm.
• October: Monday – Saturday 9am to 7pm. Sundays 10.30am – 7pm.
• November to December: Monday – Saturday 9 am to 6 pm. Sundays 10.30am – 6pm.

Exceptions to the above are December 25th and December 26th, and January 1st and January 6th. On these days the opening time is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Note that the ticket office stops selling same day tickets 30 minutes prior to closing time each day.

Very occasionally, the Sagrada Familia closes due to exceptional circumstances. It’s always best to check the official website here for the latest information prior to planning your visit.

Can You Attend Mass at the Sagrada Familia?

Yes, you can attend mass at the Sagrada Familia. It’s an active place of worship, and a number of masses are held throughout the week.

As an international visitor, you will likely want to attend mass in the main area of the church. These are held in multiple languages at least twice a week, to the following schedule:

• Every Saturday and on the eve of holy days of obligation at 8 pm.
• Every Sunday and on holy days of obligation at 9 am

In addition, the Sagrada Familia hosts extraordinary Masses at different times throughout the year. These usually require an invitation and are very popular.

For full details of these masses and how to get invitations for the extraordinary Masses, see the official calendar of masses here .

Attending a mass is free, and is on a first come first served basis. Please be aware that a mass is a sacred affair, and as such appropriate attire and behaviour is expected. Photography is not permitted during the mass, and attendees must be silent and not leave their seat area.

If you wish to attend one of the above masses, you will enter the Basilica on the Nativity façade (Carrer de la Marina). The entrance is open from 8:30 am for morning masses and from 7:30 pm for evening masses, until capacity is reached. We would advise coming earlier than this so as not to miss out. Masses are held in a number of languages.

As well as the above mass, a there are multiple daily masses held in the Sagrada Familia Crypt. These are held in Catalan and Spanish only. See the section on the Crypt for more details on these masses.

What Can You See at the Sagrada Familia?

There is a lot to see and do at the Sagrada Familia, so expect to spend between 90 minutes and 3 hours on site. Here’s an overview of what you can expect to see. All of the below is included on the standard entry tickets, with the exception of the tower climb, which requires a special ticket.

Exterior of the Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is an impressive sight – whether you glimpse it from afar, or if your first sight of it is as you emerge from the metro station nearby.

Combining all the styles that Gaudi worked with (Gothic, Catalan Modernism, and Art Nouveau), and featuring his signature architectural elements like hyperboloid and paraboloid structures, the building is a visual feast.

Some of the most popular exterior design sections are the detailed facades. There are currently two of these – the Nativity and the Passion Facade. The third facade, the Glory facade, is under construction. When finished this will be the largest and most spectacular of the facades, and will serve as the main entrance to the church.

Each of these facades tells the story of a different part of the life of Jesus Christ. The Nativity Facade tells the story of the birth of Christ, the Passion Facade focuses on the crucifiction of Christ, whilst the Glory Facade represents the road to God and Glory.

In terms of construction, the oldest facade is the organic looking Nativity Facade, which was the first facade to be completed. This was the one that Gaudi had the most control over. You will get an up close view of this as you enter the church today, as this is where the main visitor entrance currently is.

The Passion Facade is much more austere, with lots of angles, and has a completely different look and feel to the Nativity Facade. You will get a close up view of this as you leave the church, as this is where the visitor exit currently is.

As well as the facades, there are a number of design elements all over the church, and of course, the immense towers, of which there will be eighteen when the construction is finally completed.

Basically, don’t rush straight in to the church. We recommend arriving a little earlier than your scheduled visit, so you can appreciate the exterior of the building before heading inside. Then head to the line a couple of minutes before the timeslot.

Nave and Main Interior of the Sagrada Familia

If you thought the outside of the Sagrada Familia was impressive, just wait until you walk inside. You’re going to be greeted by a huge five-aisled nave, with the roof far overhead supported by giant tree like columns. Colorful light, filtered through the stained glass windows, illuminates this area.

It’s kind of life walking into some sort of surreal dream forest, which was kind of the look Gaudi was going for. He definitely succeeded.

Once you have gotten over this impressive spectacle, managed to close your mouth, and take some photos, you’ll want to explore what else is on offer. There’s lots to see, including the nave, transept, and the apse where you’ll find seven chapels.

If you book a ticket with an audioguide or tour, which we highly recommend, this will give you all the detail you need to help you understand what you are seeing.

Sagrada Familia Crypt

The Crypt of the Sagrada Familia lies underneath the main apse of the church. It is the place where Gaudi himself is buried.

The Crypt was was completed during Gaudi’s lifetime, and as such is one of the few areas of the church he saw completed.

The Crypt is also a parish church, and mass is held here daily in Catalan and Spanish. The crypt is only open around mass hours, and can be visited at the following times:

• Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 10:00 am and 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Note that as a visitor not wishing to attend mass, you will want to visit the crypt outside of the actual mass itself. Mass is held at the following times:

• Monday to Friday – 8.15pm (Catalan) and 9am (Spanish)
• Saturday – 7.30pm (Catalan) and 9am (Spanish)
• Sunday – 10.30am, 1pm, 6.30pm (Catalan) and 11.45am & 8.15pm (Spanish)

If you compare mass times with the opening times of the crypt, I would suggest the best time to visit the Sagrada Familia crypt would be between 6pm and 8pm Mondays to Fridays, 10am – 2pm or 6pm – 7.15pm on Saturdays and 9am – 10.15am on Sundays.

Along with the Nativity Facade, the Crypt is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, part of the works of Antoni Gaudi world heritage site, which includes seven locations in Barcelona.

Sagrada Familia Museum

A highlight of any visit to the Sagrada Familia, the museum is on the ground floor underneath the main church.

Here, you will learn more about Gaudi, the man behind the church, as well as the history of the construction and design of the building itself.

There’s a lot to see here, so don’t feel rushed. It’s a great place to really get a feel for what goes into creating such a monumental work of art.

Sagrada Família Schools

On the Passion Facade side of the Sagrada Familia, tucked away in the southern corner, you will see a small building with an organic looking design.

This is the Sagrada Familia Schools building. In 1909, Gaudi has this building constructed on site to serve as a school for the children of the construction workers. It was originally in a different location on the site, but was moved during the construction. It may of course move again, although current plans do not show this as happening.

Today the school can be visited as part of your Sagrada Familia visit, and is home to a number of models used as part of the construction of the Sagrada Familia. There’s also a room set up as a school room from the time, to give you an idea of how it might have looked.

The building is also used for school groups and programs so is sometimes closed to the public when these are happening. It’s also worth noting that the building was badly damaged in a fire, so most of it is not original, however it has been rebuilt as closely to the original design as possible.

Sagrada Familia Gift Shop

The Sagrada Familia is a major tourist attraction, and as you might imagine, there’s an extensive gift shop on site.

There are in fact two gift shops. There’s one in the museum, and then another on the Nativity Facade side of the building near the group entrance.

The gift shop in the museum can only be visited by ticket holders; however, the ticket office on the Nativity Facade side of the basilica can be visited by anyone. So if you don’t want to go inside and buy a ticket, you can still check out this gift shop if you are hunting for some souvenirs.

However, be aware that when you enter this gift shop you are leaving the ticketed area. Only do this when you are ready to leave, as you will not be able to return to the church once you have left the ticketed area without getting a new ticket.

Climb Inside the Passion and Nativity Towers

If all goes as planned, when the Sagrada Familia is complete, it will have 18 towers in total. There are 12 towers to represent each apostle, one for the Virgin Mary, four for the Evangelists, and then the huge central tower to represent Jesus Christ.

The main tower will be an impressive 566ft / 172.5 metres in height when completed, making it the tallest church building in the world.

In the future you will likely be able to visit more of the towers, but currently you can only visit two of the towers, the Passion Tower and the Nativity Tower. These towers require a special ticket, but visitors who opt to visit them will be rewarded with great views over the city, as well as an up close view of elements of the church that cannot be seen from anywhere else.

See more on visiting the towers in the section below about which tower to visit, and whether the towers are worth visiting.

Do You Need a Ticket to Visit the Sagrada Familia?

Yes, you need a ticket for the Sagrada Familia. In addition, tickets are timed, so when you book a ticket it will be for a specific time slot. See more on where to buy Sagrada Familia tickets and ticket pricing further on in this guide.

The only time you don’t need a ticket for the Sagrada Familia is if you are attending mass. See the section on attending mass in this guide for more information on this.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit the Sagrada Familia in 2024?

Pricing for the Sagrada Familia varies depending on a number of factors, including what time you visit and what inclusions you want on your ticket.

Here’s an overview of the prices if you buy from the official website as of the time of writing. We’ll do our best to keep this updated, but do check the official website for latest prices. Prices are up to date as of January 2024.

• Sagrada Familia Basic Ticket – €20 (only available for the last two hours each day, not always available)
• Sagrada Familia – €26 (includes audioguide, available all day)
• Sagrada Familia with guided tour – €30
• Sagrada Familia with guided tour and towers – €40
• Sagrada Familia with Towers – €36 (also includes audioguide)

Some notes on the above tickets.

First, the prices above are when purchased from the official website. There is normally also a ticket office on site for same day tickets, but prices are higher. The price difference varies by ticket, but expect to pay around €4 – €6 more per ticket in person.

Note: the on-site ticket office is currently closed.

The cheapest ticket is the €20 ticket. This doesn’t include any extras like an audioguide, and is only available for the last two hours each day. It can only be bought online, not in person. This ticket is not always available for purchase.

The next ticket is the most widely available, which is the Sagrada Familia with audioguide. This is available in 16 languages, and the audioguide tour lasts for around 45 minutes. There’s also an express version which lasts for 25 minutes. Once you have completed the audioguide you are free to continue your tour.

Then there’s the option to visit with an official guided tour. Tours are available in five languages, and last around 50 minutes. Groups are limited to 30 people per group. Once the tour is over you can continue to explore on your own.

You can also buy a joint ticket for the Sagrada Familia and the Gaudi House Museum (his final residence), which is located in the unticketed part of Park Guell. This ticket includes an audioguide for the Sagrada Familia. The combined individual price of these tickets is €32.50, so this ticket is a good saving if you plan on visiting both locations.

Finally, you can buy a Sagrada Familia ticket with towers. This ticket includes an audioguide tour of the Sagrada Familia, as well as access to one of the towers. You have to choose which tower you want to visit when you purchase the ticket. See the section below on which tower to choose.

Of all the above options, the cheapest way to visit the Sagrada Familia is with the basic ticket. Just be aware these have limited availability, as you can only buy them for the last two hours of each day. They are also only available online.

Also, all tickets have a timeslot. You are only permitted to join the entry line for the timeslot marked on your ticket. If you miss your timeslot, you will generally need to buy a new ticket, unless the reason for missing the ticket was as a result of construction work at the Sagrada Familia.

Depending on various factors, not all the tickets will always be available to purchase.

Are there Concessions for the Sagrada Familia?

Yes, there are concessions available for the Sagrada Familia.

Children under 11 can visit the basilica free of charge with an adult. A ticket is still required.

If you are under 30 or a student, you will pay €2 less per ticket. Students will need to bring a student card to show on entry, those under 30 should bring proof of age like an ID or passport.

In addition, on Wednesdays through Fridays, visitors under 30 are able to purchase tickets for 50% off the normal price for the last two hours of the day.

Those with a proven disability can visit the basilica free of charge in the last two hours prior to closing each day. They may bring one companion who can also enter free of charge. Additional services like audioguides must be paid for. A ticket is still required as you need to book a timeslot.

Seniors (those 65 and over) are also eligible for concessions. This varies by ticket type but is in the region of €4 – €6 discount per ticket.

You can see more on current concessions and amounts on the website here . All of the above concessionary ticket types, including disabled access and child tickets are available on the official website.

Where to Buy Sagrada Familia Tickets

There are a number of options for purchasing Sagrada Familia tickets, which we will go through so you know all your options, and which is best.

1 – Official Website

The first place we recommend you look is the official Sagrada Familia website here . This has real-time availability, and tickets can be purchased for both same-day visits, as well as up to two months in advance. You can also buy concession tickets here.

2 – On-site Ticket Office (currently closed)

If you are already at the Sagrada Familia, there is a ticket office on site. Note that this ticket office can only sell tickets for the same-day, and prices are higher than the website prices. There can also be long lines here, so honestly, we’d advise buying online if you can.

The on site ticket office is by the exit to the Sagrada Familia, on the Nativity Facade side by Carrer de Sardenya. Large screens outside the ticket office show what timeslots are available for the day.

Our suggestion for the best place to buy Sagrada Familia tickets is the official website which at the time of writing does not charge any booking fees.

3 – Third Party Booking Sites

There are also a number of third party websites where you can buy tickets for the Sagrada Familia. Obviously these sites need to make a revenue, and so usually charge some kind of booking fee or other commission. For this reason the official site would be our preference.

Our recommended option is this website . They provide real time availability of tickets, as well as all the ticket types and concessions available.

You can also find Sagrada Familia tickets online here with GetYourGuide , and here with Viator . Again, these will usually be more expensive than the official site, but are worth checking when the Sagrada Familia is sold out just in case.

GetYourGuide tickets have the advantage (last time we checked) of free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit, which can be very helpful if your plans change.

4 – Tour Companies

Another option is to either book a tour with a third party company like this , or to buy an attraction pass like this which includes Sagrada Familia entry as well as other discounts. More on these options further on in the guide.

Sagrada Familia Sold Out? Your Options.

As mentioned in this guide a few times, the Sagrada Familia is a very popular attraction in Barcelona, and tickets to the Sagrada Familia do sell out. This happens in particular around religious holidays such as Easter, as well as during the peak tourism season in Barcelona, usually over the summer months.

This is why it’s always best to buy tickets in advance. Tickets on the official Sagrada Familia website are usually available around 2 months in advance.

Of course, we appreciate not everyone can plan this far in advance. Maybe you have a last minute trip to Barcelona planned. Maybe you’re not a detailed planner. Whatever the reason, if there are no tickets available for the Sagrada Familia, you will likely still have some options to be able to visit.

1 – Check Other Days

First, check the official website of the Sagrada Familia to see if other days are available. It might be that by just juggling your itinerary slightly, you can visit on another day of your trip.

2 – Check Other Ticket Types

Second, check to see if other ticket types are available on the official site. There are a range of different ticket types to choose from for your visit, and it might be that one of these has availability, such as a guided tour or a tower ticket.

3 – Check Third Party Ticket Sites

Next, check to see if any of the third party sites have availability. In our experience, if the Sagrada Familia website is sold out, then standard tickets on third party sites will also be sold out.

However, you can try. We suggest trying Tiqets here , GetYourGuide here and Viator here .

4 – Book a Tour (most likely to succeed)

We think your best option for visiting the Sagrada Familia when it is sold out is to book a tour of the Sagrada Familia with a tour company.

These tours will be more expensive than a standard ticket, but because group tickets come out of a different allocation to individual tickets they are often available even when the Sagrada Familia is “sold out”.

You also get the advantage of a guided tour, which we think is well worth it for learning about what you are seeing.

You can either take a tour which includes the Sagrada Familia as part of a wider tour of the city, or one which just focuses on the Sagrada Familia. Here are some options to consider.

• Go Barcelona Pass . The Go Barcelona Pass includes a guided tour of the Sagrada Familia, as well as access to over 40 activities and attractions across the city. If you are planning on visiting a number of attractions in Barcelona, this is a great value option.
• Barcelona in a Day : This full day tour of Barcelona has you visiting La Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, the historic city center and even taking a sailboat cruise. An excellent introduction to the city.
• Skip the Line Express Sagrada Família Tour & Tickets – If you want a guided tour of the Sagrada Familia and are struggling to get official tickets, this is a great option with one of our favourite walking tour companies
• Sagrada Familia Guided tour – A 1.5 hour guided tour of the Sagrada Familia. It’s always worth checking different tours, as if one is sold another company might have availability.
• Complete Gaudí Tour : Interested in learning more about Gaudi and seeing several of his most famous works? This tour features some of the architects highlights, including Casa Batlló, Park Guell, and of course the Sagrada Família. It even includes a Tower Climb of the Sagrada Familia.
• Sagrada Familia Guided Tour – This is a 1.5 hour long guided tour of the Sagrada Familia with a relatively small group
• Sagrada Familia Small Group Guided tour – This is a 1.5 hour tour with no more than 15 people

There are lots more guided tours to choose from of course. See Tiqets here , GetYourGuide here and Viator here for more options.

5 – Attend Mass

Another option for visiting the Sagrada Familia if it is sold out is by attending a mass in main Basilica. These are free and on a first come, first serve basis, usually held on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings. See the section on mass in the Sagrada Familia in this guide for more information.

Be aware that visiting for mass time is not a good time for getting photos or wandering around, as both these activities are forbidden during mass. Instead, it’s a good time to see the church in use for its intended purpose.

Tours of the Sagrada Familia

We can very much recommend taking some kind of tour of the Sagrada Familia. There is a huge amount to see here, with fascinating architecture and symbolism, and a tour is one of the best way to truly understand what you are seeing.

When you take a tour, a knowledgeable guide will tell you everything you need to know about the building. You’ll also be able to ask any questions you have, and get pointers on what to focus on when the tour is finished.

If you want to take a guided tour of the Sagrada Familia, you have a few options.

The best value tours are offered by the Sagrada Familia itself, and can be booked directly on the official website. These last approximately 50 minutes and have a maximum group size of 30 people.

However, we actually recommend considering one of the tours below. These tend to be longer, more comprehensive tours with fewer people, and are generally specifically geared towards English speaking visitors.

You can either take a tour which includes the Sagrada Familia as part of a wider tour of the city like this , or one which just focuses on the Sagrada Familia like this .

Here are some options to consider. All of these tours include entrance to the Basilica – something you will want to check before you book a tour with any company. Some also include tower access, so when comparing prices do check what is and what isn’t included, tour length and tour size.

• Complete Gaudí Tour : Interested in learning more about Gaudi and his works? This tour features some of the architects highlights, including Casa Batlló, Park Guell and of course the Sagrada Família. It even includes a Tower Climb of the Sagrada Familia.
• Sagrada Familia Guided Tour – this is a 1.5 hour long guided tour of the Sagrada Familia with a relatively small group
• Sagrada Familia Small Group Guided tour – this is a 1.5 hour tour with no more than 15 people

There are lots more guided tours to choose from of course. See Tiqets here , GetYourGuide here and Viator here for more options. We always recommend reading recent reviews and comparing prices and inclusions before booking.

Also, every tour (other than those with multiple stops) will usually end inside the Sagrada Familia, so you have time to explore and take photos at your own pace once the tour is complete.

Do we Recommend an Audioguide or Guided tour?

To make the most of your visit to the Sagrada Familia we definitely recommend you use an audioguide, a guidebook, or join a guided tour.

There isn’t much signage in the building, so you will miss out on a lot of information without any sort of information or context.

You can purchase a ticket from the official site which includes an audioguide or guided tour. Alternatively, we recommend this guided tour by one of our favorite walking tour companies Take Walks.

Where is the Entrance to the Sagrada Familia?

The general and group entrances to the Sagrada Familia are under the Nativity Facade on Carrer de la Marina. As you face the church, the general entrance is currently to your right, and the group entrance is to your left. There is also an accessible entrance to the left, by the main gift shop.

If you have booked an individual ticket on the official website, even one which includes a tour, you will enter via the general entrance. You will join the tour once you have passed through security. Only groups can use the group entrance.

The entrances are very well marked, and on-site staff will check your ticket before you join any line, so we don’t think you’ll have any trouble getting into the correct line.

It is important to realize that all tickets to the Sagrada Familia operate on a timed entry basis. You need to be in line to enter the Sagrada Familia during the time market on your ticket. You will not be allowed to join the line or enter the building except during the time on your ticket.

If you book a tour with a third party website, they will give you instructions as to where to meet outside the Sagrada Familia. Pay careful attention to these instructions, as there are a lot of guides and people, so you want to be sure you know what to look for.

School groups are typically asked to enter on the other side of the church, on Carrer de la Sardenya.

Can you Skip the Lines at the Sagrada Familia?

Yes and no. If you buy your ticket online or via a third party website, either for individual access or as part of a tour, then you can skip the ticket line.

Instead, you can go straight to the main entrance. The Sagrada Familia like many popular attractions operates airport style security with bag and body scanners. So you will need to queue a short while for this.

The line for these is never very long, as you can only join the line when your timeslot for entering opens. On site ticket officers check tickets before you enter the line, so you will only be in line with others who are entering at the same time as you.

In my experience, the security line moves quickly and efficiently, so you shouldn’t need to worry about losing much time here.

When you see tickets advertising skip the line access at the Sagrada Familia, they are referring to the ticket line. All ticket holders, including individual and group tickets, have to go through the same security line.

Is it worth visiting one of the Sagrada Familia towers?

There are currently two Sagrada Familia towers that you can visit, the Passion Tower and the Nativity Tower. Visiting a tower requires a special ticket, and these are some of the more expensive tickets available for a visit from the official website. Visits to the towers are self-guided.

The Virgin Mary tower was completed in late 2021, so this might also become available for visiting.

You definitely don’t need to visit a tower to enjoy your time at the Sagrada Familia, although it does reward you with both nice views of the city and a unique viewpoint on areas of the building that are otherwise impossible to view.

Of course, there are lots of other options for great views of the city – a favourite of ours being the view from Santa Maria del Pi in the Gothic Quarter. See more ideas in our guide to where to get a great view of Barcelona .

I think that seeing the inside and outside of the towers, as well as getting up close to the facades, is definitely a unique experience. If you climb the towers for this reason, it is definitely worth it. But some people don’t find visiting the towers worth the extra cost, and we would agree that it is definitely not required

Which Sagrada Familia Tower Should You Visit?

There are currently two Sagrada Familia towers you can visit – the Passion Tower and the Nativity Tower. If you decide to visit a tower, the next question you might have is which tower is the best to visit?

Honestly, the answer to this is not so simple, as both towers are worth visiting. In addition, you might find that when you come to book, only one of the two towers has availability, so your decision will be made for you! However, here’s a quick overview of the two towers you can currently climb to help you make a decision.

The Nativity Tower is the older of the two towers, and was completed during Gaudi’s lifetime. It’s on the Nativity Facade side of the building, which was also built during Gaudi’s lifetime. The Nativity Tower offers views across the east side of the city and the mountains, as well as up close viewing opportunities of the Nativity Facade.

The Passion Tower is one of the newer towers, and is on the Passion Facade side of the building. This Facade was only fully completed in 2018. Whilst this was designed by Gaudi, it still has a newer look and feel due to being more recent.

Views from this tower are across the city centre and out to sea. There is still quite a lot of construction work ongoing around this tower, and when I visited there was lots of evidence of this when looking out of the windows.

Both towers you can visit have a bridge which links the two main towers on each facade. Sometimes this bridge isn’t open, but when I visited the bridge in both the Nativity and Passion towers was open. This bridge is open air (but surrounded by safety wire) and offers a great view of the city and the outside of the towers.

Both towers have lift access to get up the towers, followed by a series of steps. They then both have steep spiral staircases, consisting of hundreds of steps, to get down. The exit stairs in the Nativity Tower are slightly wider, so are more popular with folks who suffer from claustrophobia.

There is no accessibility access to the towers, as even when you take the lift there are a number of stairs to climb. In addition, you can’t get the lift up and down, only up. As a result, anyone with physical mobility issues will likely want to skip the towers.

It is worth mentioning that there is no handrail in the centre of the staircase in either tower, and you can see straight down from the top to the bottom as there’s a small hole in the centre. This is too small to fall into, but vertigo sufferers might want to give this a miss as it can be a little disconcerting.

In our experience looking at the booking website and reading reviews from other visitors, the Nativity Tower tends to be more popular, and tickets for this tower tend to sell out first. However, we think if you want to visit a tower, then either tower will work.

If you want to visit a tower but tickets are sold out, again, there are third party tours which normally include tower access (although always check the description) such as this one with Take Walks .

What is the Dress Code at the Sagrada Familia?

The Sagrada Familia is a place of religious worship, and as such, visitors are expected to wear appropriate attire. The following rules apply:

• Shoulders must be covered
• Shorts / skirts must come down to at least mid-thigh. We’d recommend knee length though to be on the safe side.
• Swimwear is not permitted
• Fancy dress or clothing to celebrate a festivity is not permitted. For example, a bachelor party all wearing similar outfits may be refused entry.
• See through clothing is not permitted
• Hats are not permitted with the exception of those required for religious or health related reasons
• Visitors must be wearing footwear, it is not permitted to enter barefoot.

Other Forbidden Items at the Sagrada Familia

As well as the dress code, there are other items that are not permitted in the Sagrada Familia. A summary of these is as follows:

• Food and drinks are not permitted, and must be consumed and disposed of prior to entering.
• Professional photography equipment, including tripods, is not permitted
• Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the grounds
• Dangerous items such as weapons, sharp objects, knives or similar are not permitted. These will be held at security and returned after the visit.
• Any sort of banner, sign or, flag intended as a protest
• Any chemical product that could harm other people or damage the monument.
• Animals are not allowed on site with the exception of service dogs for people with disabilities

As you can see, nothing particularly out of the ordinary here.

Can you Take Photos in the Sagrada Familia?

Yes, you are allowed to take photos in the Sagrada Familia. However, there are a number of rules to be aware of.

First, photography is not permitted during masses or holy day events.

Second, p rofessional photography equipment, including tripods, is not permitted in the basilica.

If you wish to visit and take photos for commercial photography reasons, this needs to be authorised by the press department. In these instances, tripods may be authorised but you will want to get permission in writing before your visit.

As with most museums, churches, and other attractions, flash photography is also not permitted. Honestly, the church is so big that a flash probably won’t do much anyway! We have a guide to disabling the flash on a camera here if you need instructions for disabling the flash on your camera.

There is no specific guidance around videos, however the same rules likely apply regarding professional video equipment. If in doubt, contact the Press Department of the Sagrda Familia.

Are there Free Days at the Sagrada Familia?

There are no regular free days at the Sagrada Familia.

Barcelona Attraction Passes that Include the Sagrada Familia

If you plan on seeing a number of sights in Barcelona, and perhaps using the Hop on Hop off bus, then you might find that buying an attraction pass or some kind of combination ticket is more convenient than individual tickets.

Some of these attraction passes will also save you money, depending on which attractions and services you use.

If you decide to purchase an attraction pass, you will want to purchase these at least 48 to 72 hours before you would like to visit the Sagrada Familia. This is because you will need to confirm a time of visit and receive the tickets via email (or however each works). You can’t just book and turn up an hour later with these kinds of passes.

Barcelona has a number of attraction passes (see our guide to the Barcelona attraction passes here ), however not all of them include the Sagrada Familia. Here are some that do.

Go Barcelona Pass

The Go Barcelona Pass comes in two formats, an all-inclusive version and an explorer version . The all-inclusive version is generally our favourite pass for Barcelona as it includes so many attractions and activities.

Both versions include a guided tour of the Sagrada Familia, meaning you get skip the line access to the Sagrada Familia as well as a tour with an expert guide.

This is a great way to experience the Basilica as you’ll learn a lot about what you’re seeing. The pass also includes access to over 40 attractions across the city. In our opinion it’s one of the best value passes for Barcelona. You can see a full list of the included attractions here , and buy your pass here .

You also can see our full review of the Go Barcelona pass here to see if it is going to make sense for your visit.

Barcelona City Pass

The Barcelona City Pass . This pass includes the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and airport bus transfer, as well as either a 1 day or 2 day Hop on Hop off bus ticket. It also includes an audioguide covering the city, as well as a further 10% discount on a wide range of attractions in Barcelona.

What we like about this pass is that it lets you book the specific ticket type you want for the Sagrada Familia, from basic through to the towers visit, and it also lets you book the timeslot for your visit for both the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.

If you are planning on visiting the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, using the Hop on off Hop bus to get around the city, and plan on booking some extra attractions with a 10% discount, this is definitely an easy all in one option.

The Gaudi Bundle

The Sagrada Familia is far from the only Gaudi attraction in Barcelona. Another very popular one is Park Guell. If you want to visit both of these, then you might consider the Gaudi Bundle ticket .

This includes Sagrada Familia tickets with the official audioguide, tickets for Park Guell with an audio guide, as well as an audioguide for the exterior of the Sagrada Familia and other Barcelona attractions.

This ticket is slightly more expensive than purchasing individual tickets for each attraction, however the included audioguides might make this a good option if those interest you.

Where to Get a Good Photo of the Sagrada Familia

You’ll probably want to get a great photo of the Sagrada Familia to remember your visit! My favourite spot (and one of the most popular views in general) is from Plaça de Gaudí to the north east of the building.

This has a small pond in, which makes for some nice reflections. However, you will need quite a wide angle lens in order to get the whole church and its reflection in shot.

As the Sagrada Familia is an active construction site, you will obviously get photos of cranes, netting and workers – which you can see in my photos!

Being the tallest building in Barcelona, you can also see the Sagrada Familia from a number of other locations in the city, including from the roof tops of some of Gaudi’s other buildings. The closest is La Pedrera, however, you will need quite a long lens to get a good shot as the Sagrada Familia will be around a mile away.

Practicalities for Visiting the Sagrada Familia

Facilities at the sagrada familia.

The Sagrada Familia has toilets on site.

Food and drink is not permitted on site, and as such there is nowhere to buy food or drink on site either. There are however lots of stalls serving snacks and drinks just outside the entrance and exit points. There are also a number of cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the basilica.

Security at the Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia operates airport style security. Expect your bags and person to be scanned, and forbidden items to be either conficated or held onto until your visit is over.

Accessibility at the Sagrada Familia

All parts of the Sagrada Familia which are open to the public currently are fully accessible except for the two towers. Whilst these have a lift, this does not go all the way up, and there are additional stairs that must be climbed. As such, the towers are currently not accessible.

Adapted audioguides in sign language and audiodescription are also available in Catalan, Spanish and English. There are also accessible toilets on site.

The accessible entrance to the Sagrada Familia is near the gift shop on the Nativity Side.

Luggage Storage Near the Sagrada FAmilia

There is no luggage storage available at the Sagrada Familia. The only exception to this rule is for visitors to the towers, who can put small backpack sized bags in lockers by the tower lifts during their visit to the towers. Following the tower visit, the luggage must be immediately collected.

Currently, the rules for visiting the Sagrada Familia do not explicitly forbid bringing luggage inside. However, you should be aware that there is airport style security screening, so any bags you bring will be screened. We don’t recommend bringing any luggage or large bags with you to the basilica.

Instead, consider storing your luggage either at your hotel or finding luggage storage near the Sagrada Familia.

Things to do Near the Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia may be the most popular attraction in Barcelona, but there’s plenty more to do in the city! Some of these options are relatively close to the Sagrada Familia, and make for a good next step.

• Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau – about a 10 minute walk north east of the Sagrada Familia, this collection of building was originally a hospital. Today it is one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe
• Casa Milà – also known as La Pedrera, this is another of Gaudi’s works, famous for its rooftop chimneys. It is about a 20 minute walk from the Sagrada Familia
• Gaudí Experiència – an interactive exhibition next to Park Güell that will take you through the life and works of the architect responsible for so many of Barcelona’s sights. About a 30 minute walk from the Sagrada Familia, or a short ride by Hop on Hop off bus / public transport.
• Park Güell – another of Gaudí’s works. This is a large park area with a number of installations to explore and visit. This is also where you’ll find the Gaudi House Museum where Gaudi lived, which is well worth a visit. If you do decide to visit, don’t forget you can save a few euros by buying a combination ticket with the Sagrada Familia on the official site

For more ideas on what to do when visiting Barcelona, see our guide to spending 1 day in Barcelona , as well as 3 days in Barcelona .

Where to Stay Near the Sagrada Familia

If you would like to stay near the Sagrada Familia during your time in Barcelona, we have put together this list of hotels, guesthouses and hostels which are all within a five minute walk of the Sagrada Familia.

These properties are across a range of budgets, and are ordered approximately by price, from lower to higher. Pricing can of course changing depending on season and demand, so do always check prices for your dates.

• Barcelona & You Hostel Sagrada Familia – three minutes walk from the Sagrada Familia, this is a well reviewed hostel offering dormitory style accommodation. It’s a great value option and breakfast, coffee/tea and WiFi is included.
• Hostemplo Sagrada Familia – just 200 yards from the Sagrada Familia, this is a highly rated design guesthouse offering private en-suite rooms at a great price
• Ibis Barcelona Centro (Sagrada Familia) – just a few minutes walk from the Sagrada Familia, this 2* hotel offers comfortable en-suite air conditioned rooms with soundproofing
• Boutique Hostemplo Sagrada Familia – found on a pedestrian street just 100 yards from the Sagrada Familia, this 3* boutique hotel offers air-conditioned en-suite rooms
• Hotel Sagrada Familia – a 3* hotel a couple of blocks from the Sagrada Familia, offering private en-suite rooms with air conditioning.
• SM Hotel Sant Antoni – five minutes walk from the Sagrada Familia, this is a well rated 3* hotel with private en-suite rooms and air conditioning
• Hotel Barcelona 1882 – 450 yards from the Sagrada Familia, this is a very well reviewed 4* hotel with a pool, and air-conditioned en-suite rooms
• Ayre Hotel Rosellón – 200 yards from the Sagrada Familia, this 4* design hotel has a roof top terrace offering stunning views of the Sagrada Familia. It also has great reviews, an en-suite air conditioned rooms

Hopefully one of the above hotels will work for you when looking for somewhere to stay near the Sagrada Familia.

Apartment rentals through sites like AirBnB are also available. One thing to be aware of is that in Barcelona these need to be registered with the city. When they are registered they will be issued a license number. If you want to stay in an apartment rental in Barcelona, then we recommend picking one which has the license number on the listing.

If you would prefer to stay in an in apartment in Barcelona, then we recommend either Plum Guide  or  AirBnB .

Plum Guide carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. See their listings for Barcelona here .

We’ve also used AirBnB all around the world, and they consistently have the most options to choose from. See their  listings for Barcelona here .

If you can’t find what you want from the above choices, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the  best alternatives to AirBnB  which you should check out!

Further Reading for Visiting Barcelona

Hopefully this guide to visiting the Sagrada Familia has answered all your questions and given you plenty of ideas for your own trip.

As well as the Sagrada Familia, we’ve also explored Barcelona many times, as well as other parts of Spain’s Catalonia region. From our experiences, we have put together a number of posts to help you plan your own trip. Here are some we think you will find useful in planning your own trip.

• For Barcelona, check out our 3 day Barcelona itinerary , our 2 day Barcelona itinerary , our guide to spending a day in Barcelona , our review of the  Barcelona Pass , and our detailed guide to  Gaudí sites in Barcelona  to start you off.
• There are lots of great day trips from Barcelona. See our guides to  visiting Besalu , Montserrat , and Girona  as good starting points.
• Lovers of surrealist artist Salvador Dali will want to visit some of the many sites associated with the artist in the region. See our  guide to Dali attractions in Costa Brava  that lists all the attractions to help you put together your trip.
• A fantastic experience we can recommend to anyone visiting this region is to take a hot air balloon ride. We’ve done this twice, and you can see our guide to  hot air ballooning in Costa Brava  here.
• We have a guide to  things to do in Palamós , one of our favourite fishing towns in the Costa Brava
• If you love mountains, you’re going to want to spend some time in the Spanish Pyrenees region of Catalonia. See our  guide to the Spanish Pyrenees  to start you off. If visiting in the winter, you might consider heading to one of the Girona region’s ski resorts, and you can take a look at our  guide to skiing in the Spanish Pyrenees .
• We also have detailed guides to all the specific regions of the Girona Pyrenees of Catalonia, including  La Garrotxa ,  El Ripollès  and  La Cerdanya .
• Another mountainous experience for lovers of nature or skiiers is the Vall de Nuria, which also makes a good day trip or overnight experience from Barcelona. See our guide to visiting the Vall de Nuria  for more information
• If you would like a book about the Sagrada Familia, this is a detailed guide to the history, present and future of this building
• If you’re looking for a guidebook, take a look at this Costa Brava pocket guide  and this  DK Eyewitness guide to Barcelona and Catalonia

And that’s it for our detailed guide to visiting the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain! As always, we’re happy to answer your questions – just pop them in the comments below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

In addition, if you visit the Sagrada Familia and notice anything incorrect about this guide, do let us know in the comments section so we can correct it.

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There are 9 comments on this post

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22nd August 2023 at 10:29 pm

Hello, do you know how the timed entries work for purchasing tickets to enter the church as well as go up in one of the towers? When I go to the official website, the first option is to choose a date, then a timed entry for the tower of your choice. The second option is to choose a time for the church. I like to do the earliest times possible to get tours done before they get too busy. If I select the 9am time for the tower, the first choice that comes up for the church is 9:15am. I’m not sure if I am supposed to estimate how long it takes to do the tower visit and then select a later time to do the church tour? Obviously the tower can’t be completed in 15 minutes, so I’m unsure how to select an appropriate time for each part of the ticket. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks so much

Laurence Norah says

23rd August 2023 at 10:27 am

So just to clarify you are booking the ticket which includes a guided tour of the church and which includes the tower? Or are you just booking for tower and church entry? Because it works slightly differently. With the guided tour you normally do the guided tour first and then the tower afterwards I think, but without the tour component you can visit the church around your tower visit. Once you are inside you go to the tower, and then you can further explore the church when you come back down.

Let me know if this helps or if you need further clarification, and I’ll do my best to help out!

23rd August 2023 at 4:31 pm

Thank you. We are planning to do the self-guided tour with the audioguide (church and tower). When I choose this option, and select the earliest possible time for the tower (9:15am), the only option I can select for the church afterwards is 9:00am. So I am assuming that the church entry is first, then as you said, we would go up the tower first at 9:15, then back down to do the self guided tour of the church. Does that sound right?

Thank you for your help!

23rd August 2023 at 4:37 pm

Yep, that is what would happen! The tower entry is inside the church, so you would go into the church first and head towards the tower entry. After the tower visit, you can explore the rest of the church at your leisure.

Have an awesome time, do let me know how you enjoy it 🙂

Garry Matheson says

4th June 2022 at 4:37 am

Hi, Thanks for the very helpful and detailed guide. I’m not a professional photographer by any means but love travelling with my full-frame camera. Just wanted to clarify about ‘forbidden’ items…what constitutes ‘Professional photography equipment’? I’ll be travelling with a Sony A73 which is bigger than a pocket camera. The lenses are zooms, so quite bulky in comparison. Will they allow entry? Also more generally, is it common for cathedrals, museums and places of interest in Europe where ‘professional’ cameras aren’t allowed?

4th June 2022 at 12:05 pm

This is a good question. I have visited many times with my full frame cameras, sometimes two at the same time, and I’ve not had an issue. I believe they are primarily trying to stop people from doing photo shoots, so things like wedding shoots or influencer style shots with models is what they are against. A tourist with a nice camera isn’t really an issue. They also don’t like tripods or lighting setups.

In general, “professional” cameras are fine across Europe. Some locations won’t allow photography at all, although this is changing as most locations realise the benefit of free publicity on social media from visitors. Westminster Abbey for example had a long policy against photography, which changed only last year. In some places they might charge a nominal fee to allow you to take photos, I believe in Edinburgh for example it’s a couple of quid for a photography permit. Flash and tripod photography though is almost universally banned.

Hopefully this helps!

Have a great time in Europe!

Katie D'Agostino says

25th February 2022 at 2:01 pm

This article is SUPER helpful! Thank you. I cannot seem to find how you purchase tower tickets on the Sagrada Familia website. I only have that option through a tour I was looking to book. Are tower tickets normally available on the Sagrada Familia website or am I just missing it? Also, we are staying at the Ayre Rosello for those great views you speak of. Any great places to eat in that area? We’ve included breakfast in our SF View Room, but we’d love lunch and dinner suggestions. Thank you!

25th February 2022 at 5:40 pm

Thanks for your comment 🙂 So the Sagrada Familia has been a challenging attraction to keep on top of in terms of what is and what isn’t open and to who for the last couple of years! You are correct that right now the towers aren’t on the official website, and yes, they normally are as that’s how I booked them last time we visited. I have reached out to a partner who sells tour tickets to find out if it’s just tour partners who have access at the moment to the towers. I know that for a time they were only allowing guided tours of the towers as it let them control numbers, but I want to confirm if that’s still the case and when I hear back I’ll comment again. I’m not sure if they are actually open at all. If you have found a tour that includes them, definitely reach out to confirm that is the case if climbing them is important to you.

Food wise, I haven’t eaten a lot in that area and to be honest we don’t normally recommend restaurants as it’s hard to keep up with changes. The only place I am comfortable to recommend in general in Barcelona is L’Alcoba Blava, which is an amazing Tapas place in the Gothic Quarter and well worth visiting if you are in that area. It doesn’t look like much from the outside (we always walk right past in when looking for it), but the food speaks for itself.

I’ll get back as soon as I hear about the towers!

1st March 2022 at 8:12 am

I’ve been told that the tower tickets are due to be back online in March, but I’m not sure exactly when.

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The Ultimate Highlight Tour of La Sagrada Familia, an Insider’s Guide to Barcelona

La Sagrada Familia  is the beating heart of the city of Barcelona. It can be seen across the skyline almost anywhere you go. The top of the spires peeked out, watching over the city at all times. Designed by Catalan architect  Antoni Gaudí ,  construction began in 1882, and you might be surprised to learn that development is still ongoing. Currently, the best projection on its completion is 2026, a significant year which marks the centenary of the death of Gaudí. Despite its incomplete nature, this is THE MOST important sight to see when visiting Barcelona. Its history, design and the feeling you get upon stepping inside are unparalleled. The church feels like a summation of what Barcelona is all about and understanding it before visiting or while you tour is essential to better enjoying this fantastic monument.

This is my highlights tour but if you’re interested in a super in-depth guide, check out my ‘ The Complete Guide to Visiting Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia ‘.

The Sagrada Familia is pretty easily accessible since it’s located in the centre of town. By metro, you just need to hop on the  L5 line  towards  Sants Station . Upon getting out of the metro, simply follow the signs for the ‘ Sagrada Familia.’  If you are arriving by bus, get on the  H10  and get off at the  València, Lepant  stop. If you bought a  Hop-On Hop-Off Bus  ticket, these also all stop right in front of the church.

As the  Sagrada Familia  is the most famous landmark in Barcelona, it draws in some shocking numbers daily. It’s no surprise that thousands of people enter their doors daily. To ensure you can experience this church easily, it’s always best to book your  tickets in advance . You can  buy your tickets online  up to two months in advance, but I’d advise that you only book them about a week or two before your arrival unless you’re visiting during the holiday season.

When to Go?

When booking your ticket, you need to select a specific  entry time . I’d recommend not leaving it too late at night since you want to give yourself plenty of time to explore before the church closes. I’d recommend booking your ticket an hour or two before sunset. That way, you can see the building in the light of day and enjoy the magnificent lighting effect of the sunset across the structure. The golden light inside the Basilica casts the most magical glow over the entire nave, and it feels like being transported to another earthly plane of existence.

Which ticket to buy?

There are basically four ticket types for visiting the  Sagrada Familia

• Ticket with Audio Guide 26€
• Ticket with Guided Tour 30€
• Ticket with Audio Guide and Towers 36€

History of La Sagrada Familia

During the 19th century Barcelona, along with the rest of Europe, was undergoing a significant change. The church that had once held such immense power and authority over cities now lost its cultural influence with the growth of independent governments. Urban lifestyles were changing the way that Catalonians lived, and more and more, the church was becoming less and less a central part of their daily routine.

In 1866 the Spanish clergy created the Association of Devotees of Saint Joseph, who took it upon themselves to help bring back the relevance of faith and spirituality in Catalonia. They raised enough money to start construction on a wondrous temple, so spectacular and eye-catching that it would be the spot where pilgrims from all over the world would travel and which would encourage locals to come back into the fold. The church was dedicated to the Holy Family. The first architect of the church  was Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano , but soon after construction started, he resigned. They then enlisted Catalan architect  Antoni Gaudí.  And that one decision would be the catalyst for the creation of what is now one of the greatest manmade wonders of the world.

About La Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is 4,500 square meters large, the size of an American football field, and when you see it in person, you can truly understand just how big that is. The Basilica’s layout is that of a traditional Latin cross design. The Latin cross design features five naves, a crossing, an apse and an exterior cloister-style ambulatory.

The exterior has three different facades, each a varied work of art whose imagery tells a story. Although not yet built, the tallest part of the church will be 172.5 meters tall, the highest point in the city but shorter than Montjuic Mountain (because no manmade building should exceed what God created). The church can hold 14,000 worshippers! That’s the size of a small city. Gaudí wanted to create a place where everyone in the city could gather in one place, making it feel like it was always open to whoever wanted to come in. A small church just wouldn’t have had the same effect.

#1. The Nativity Facade

This was the only part of the church which was entirely designed by Gaudi and which he almost saw finished as it was completed in 1935, just after his death. He was there almost daily overseeing the work, and it feels like the part of the church which is the most personal. The three porticos on the Nativity facade are each dedicated to a theological virtue of the three members of the Holy Family; Hope, Charity and Faith.

#2. The Tree of Life

At the top of one of the Nativity facade’s porticos stands the Tree of Life, a bright green cypress tree. The tree is one of the only colourful parts of the exterior, covered with polychrome. Polychrome decorates architectural elements, like pottery or sculpture, in various colours. The cypress tree symbolizes eternity since it’s an evergreen plant and never loses its leaves. Covering the tree are 21 white doves which fly out of their nests and into the sky. On the top of the tree, like a Christmas Star, is the red and white symbol of the holy trinity. The Greek cross formed the base of this symbol. The Greek cross combines the letters’ alpha’ and ‘omega,’ which mean the beginning and the end.

#3. The Charity Portico Vault

The vault in the Charity portico contains the scene of the Annunciation where the archangel Gabriel tells Mary that she is the chosen one who will bring the son of God into this world. Surrounding this petite scene are the signs of the zodiac depicted in constellations across the sky, just as they would have been on the night Jesus was born. Bands of rosary beads surround the scene.

Hanging around the rosary are medallions carved in stone representing the ‘Miraculous Medals’ you find around rosary bracelets. Above the Charity doorways, here is a chorus of angels. Each of them is a musician, playing instruments popular in both religious settings, like the lute, the violin and the harp, and instruments more accessible to the commoners, like the guitar, the bagpipes and the tambourine. Once more, this was a way of the common fold being able to see themselves in the divine. Running up between the two sets of stained glass windows behind the angels is the multi-pointed star of Bethlehem. This was the star that shone in the sky to announce the birth of Jesus.

#4. The Spires

Gaudi desired to make the Sagrada Familiar as the tallest building in Barcelona. He was inspired by stories of architects in medieval times who built their churches as the central figure in the city. These churches needed to be tall as they were often used as meeting points, a guiding light to those travelling into town. Their bell towers signal the beginning of the workday or even warn people of fires, earthquakes or other devastating events.

Gaudi wanted to implement this same idea, but just one tower wouldn’t suffice. He decided to far and away exceed anything created for basilicas before. His design called for eighteen spires, reaching up towards the heavens. The hollow and hole-filled design of the spires makes them look like a beehive or anthill, as the stone’s colour closely resembles the earth. But the hollow design was actually a form of lanterning, an architectural element that illuminates the church while also giving it enormous height and grandeur.

#5. The Rosary Portal

You’ll first pass through the Rosary Portal to enter the church’s interior. This incredible doorway is called the door of ‘Our Lady of the Rosary.’ In the tympanum above the doorway is the sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding a crowed baby Jesus. Mary also wears a crown, as she is the Queen of Heaven on Earth, but she is also symbolically crowned with an archway of roses on the portal above her. Since the rose is the symbol of purity is almost always hidden somewhere in depictions of the Virgin Mary. Above this doorway is a cupola lantern which perfectly lets in a ray of light which highlights Mary’s face. This effect is almost too beautiful, and it looks heavenly if you didn’t know the cupola was there.

#6. The Arborescent Columns

The interior of the church was meant to resemble a spiritual forest. Gaudi wanted it to feel like a retreat into nature. Gothic churches were revolutionary in creating openness and space; they wanted the interior to feel light and the high ceilings as if they were reaching up toward the heavens. Gaudi once more wanted to take this to the next level. He wanted to incorporate huge stained glass windows on either side, which meant they could not be load bearing, so that load had to be carried elsewhere.

Gaudi researched for years to develop this new concept called the ‘Arborescent Columns.’ Inspired by the strength and beauty of large trees, the columns tilt slightly about their height so they can withstand the roof load. They also split off in two directions, like the branches of a tree and also like a flying buttress to better support the vaults. You expect to see birds flying from branch to branch, making a nest for themselves at any time. And what better place to do it?!

#7. The Vaults

Gaudi combined classical Gothic architecture and Catalan art to create these star-like vaults on the roof, which light could easily pass through. The stars are formed by combining concave and convex hyperboloid shapes, which are critical systems used to disperse light and spread out the roof load. The shape of the stars also closely resembles the form of palm leaves, a powerful symbol in Christianity. Each vault centre is filled with a light diffuser decorated with colourful stained glass in various Christian symbols.

#8. Stained Glass Windows

Light is one of the strongest symbols of faith in Christianity, so it was crucial for Gaudi to bring as much natural as possible, the light of God, into the Basilica. Gaudi developed a new way of creating stained glass, comprised of three panes resulting in a mixture of tones and colours to cast a magical glow into the nave. The leading artist who created these windows was Vila-Grau. Vila-Grau used curved shapes to create abstract forms and ensured that the warm and cool tones were kept separate, resulting in this consistent light flow.

#9. The High Altar’s Baldachin

Over the high altar, we find the incredible sculptural masterpiece, the ‘baldachin.’ A baldachin is a large canopy in a heptagon shape with seven edges, traditionally placed over an altar. These sever corners represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit; wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. Fifty little hanging lights illuminate the rim of the canopy. Around the rim springs grape vines and wheat, the symbols of the Eucharist. A ribbon around the baldachin writes out the Prayer of Glory in back-lit red and Gaudí-style lettering.

#10. The Choir Galleries

Above the nave is a separate space that houses the choir during church services. This area can hold over 1000 singers since Gaudi wanted their voices to fill this enormous temple. Gaudi thought the importance of acoustics in the building to be of the utmost importance as he loved music so much. It was one of the few ways he could unwind and relax. The hyperbolic vaulting he used throughout the church was made to reverberate the sound in a harmonious way and provide light.

#11. The Passion Facade

The final portion of the tour of the church is the Passion Facade. This facade is located on the side of the building where the sun sets, the darkness reflecting the ultimate sacrifice and death Jesus would incur. Compared with the ornate, natural forms of the Nativity Facade, the Passion Facade is gloomy, stark and restrained. Gaudi made sketches for this part of the church when he fell ill with a terrible sickness and almost passed away.

This illness was the closest to death Gaudi would ever come since his eventual death would sneak up on him. During this sickness, he was consumed with fear and poured all these emotions into the design of this part of the temple. While Gaudi died long before this part of the church began construction, architect Josep Maria Subirachs took up his mantle and made it his mission to create precisely what Gaudi had envisioned. Subirach’s figures are inspired by expressionism, in contrast to the realistic figures on the Nativity portal. There are over 100 figures depicted, grouped into 13 different scenes. They rise upwards in an S-shape, starting, in chronological order, with the last supper and ending in the crucifixion.

#12. The Gaudi Museum

Located in the basement of the cathedral is the Antoni Gaudi Workshop and Museum. Although many of the original documents and plans were destroyed when a bomb went off during the Civil War, this newly created space is where the city has taken it upon itself to conserve, restore and put on display pieces of the history of the construction of this church. You can find drawings, period photographs, ceremonial furniture and several scale model copies of the originals here. There is also a model of the original workshop where Gaudi would spend all this time.

Have you been here before? What was your favourite thing to see? If you’re on your way, let me know what you’re looking forward to the most.

Happy Travel Adventurers!

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A Complete Guide for Visiting the Sagrada Família in Barcelona

One of the most visited places in Barcelona is the ornate Roman Catholic basilica la Sagrada Família aka the Basilica of the Holy Family. And rightfully so. This still unfinished but incredible church was designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and is both a representation of his imagination and a reflection of his thoughts on faith and religion.

In this post, I’ll share some insights into the architecture of this building, some interesting facts about the basilica, and helpful pointers on how to prepare for your visit to the beautiful Sagrada Família.

A work in progress

It might surprise you to find cranes and scaffolding surrounding the church. Although construction on Gaudí’s masterpiece began in 1882, only a quarter of the work had been completed at the time of his death.

Since then, there have been nine architects who have taken on the project only to walk away due to its complexity. However, even with this turnover, the project has remained faithful to Gaudí’s original plans and will be completed. An original completion date was set for 2026 to mark the 100th anniversary of the architect’s death, but construction was delayed due to the pandemic, and we’re not certain when this monumental building might be finished.

Did you know? Originally, the project was financed by private patrons, but these days, most of the funding comes from the entrance fees. So if you visit, your ticket will contribute to the building of this masterpiece!

Modernist architecture

No one can deny the grandiose feel of this basilica. With its colorful stained glass windows, countless towers, chapels, and façades, the Sagrada Família feels more like a dreamy fairy-tale castle than a Catholic church. Storytelling can be found in every corner of this structure with an emphasis on nature.

The Sagrada Família’s many symbols

There are three intricately designed façades to the Basilica, and each has detailed motifs that reflect a moment in Christ’s life.

• the Nativity (his birth)
• the Passion (the crucifixion)
• the Glory (in heaven)

The Nativity façade has animal and human figures while the Passion façade is much more dramatic with pillars that appear to have skeletal sculptures. The Glory façade is one of the most striking, featuring scenes of the Last Judgment, including both heaven and hell. It also grants access to the Basilica’s central nave.

There are 18 towers in total. The tallest and most majestic symbolizes Jesus Christ and, once completed, will measure 566 feet. That will make it the tallest church in the world — surpassing the Ulm Cathedral in Germany. The other towers represent the Virgin Mary, the apostles, and the evangelists.

Interior of the Sagrada Família

For the interior of the church, Gaudí kept with the nature theme by avoiding straight lines. Instead, he created an environment with winding tree-like columns and a symphony of colors.

Towering stained glass windows dominate the interior of the Sagrada Família with ever-changing shades depending on the time of day and even the weather. A sunny day will produce dynamic explosions of bright color while a cloudy day will reflect soft and soothing hues.

How to visit the Sagrada Família

I highly recommend taking public transit here instead of a car so you don’t have to deal with parking.

Here are the public transportation networks that serve the Sagrada Família. 

• Metro: L2 or L5
• Bus: 19, 33, 34, D50, H10 or B24

La Sagrada Família is open every day.

How to tour the Sagrada Família 

You can visit outside of the basilica for free or pay to enter the church, but we always recommend going with a local guide. 

When you visit on your own, you’ll look around, snap some cool pics, and be on your way. Go with someone who really knows the basilica — and all about Gaudí’s vision and what those carvings on the façades mean and why it’s so controversial — and you have an experience you’ll remember for years to come.

A walking tour outside the Sagrada Família

This is a chance to not just see the basilica but to learn about it, including its history, the symbols in its sculptured façade. It takes just an hour, so while it’s thorough, it also fits in with a busy day.

Don’t forget that part of the entrance fee if you book a ticket helps with the costs for completing the church!

How to dress for the Sagrada Família

There is a dress code for the Sagrada Famíla, although you won’t need to put on your Sunday best.

Remember you are entering a place of worship. Visitors should dress appropriately, meaning tops that cover the shoulders and shorts and skirts that come down to at least mid-thigh. Hats are not allowed.

Fun facts about the Sagrada Família

Here are seven fascinating facts about the Sagrada Família you might not know. Of course, you’ll learn many more on our Sagrada Família guided tours.

• The Sagrada Família is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, even though it still hasn’t been completed.
• To pay tribute to basilica workers, the builders’ faces were used as models and their images can be found sculpted in stone of the Portal of Mercy façade. 
• Gaudí wasn’t the original architect. Construction started under Francisco de Paula del Villar, who resigned in 1883, allowing Gaudí to take over as chief architect.
• The Sagrada Família is the most visited place in Spain, boasting almost 3 million visitors a year.
• The Sagrada Família has been built entirely with donations and has not been backed by the church or the government. Construction today is still funded with entrance fees.
• There is a mysterious square with mixed numbers on the Passion façade. No one knows what the numbers mean, but when all are added up in any direction, they equal 33. Experts believe this square is tied to the age of Christ’s death. 
• Gaudí is buried here. He died on June 10, 1926, after being hit by a tram on his way to visit the Sagrada Família. His tomb can be found in the El Carmen Virgin chapel.

La Sagrada Família: A church like no other

The Sagrada Família is a moving and mystical place — there’s a reason it draws millions of visitors a year.

But it’s just one of many Modernist gems in Barcelona. There are more masterpieces by Gaudí and his contemporaries, several found along the lovely Passeig de Gràcia. 

Best of Barcelona Architecture Walking Tour

To learn more about La Sagrada Família, join us for one of our tours of the basilica. To discover other architectural treasures in Barcelona, check out our popular Barcelona Architecture Walking Tour . 

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Is a Tour of Sagrada Familia Worth It?

Ian Sumpter Last Updated: September 26, 2023

Are you heading to Barcelona and want to visit the Sagrada Familia but unsure if you should do a solo visit or a tour? The Basilica is one of the architectural wonders of the World, and millions visit each year asking the same question. This article will explain why a tour of Sagrada Familia is worth it.

Pro Tip: Planning your visit to Sagrada Familia in Barcelona? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. See our comprehensive  guide to Barcelona  for more planning resources, our  top Barcelona tours  for a memorable trip, and the top things to see in Barcelona .

What is the Sagrada Familia?

The Sagrada Familia is an iconic basilica located in the heart of Barcelona, Spain. It is a breathtaking emblem of both architectural and religious devotion. Designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, its construction commenced in 1882 and has been progressively evolving ever since.

The basilica is a harmonious blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, with intricate details and symbolic religious elements integrated into every corner of the design. Though still under construction, with an anticipated completion in 2026, the Sagrada Familia already stands as a majestic testament to Gaudí’s innovative genius and the rich spiritual heritage of Spain. Its towering spires, intricate facades, and the mesmerizing play of light through its stained glass windows draw millions of admirers from around the globe, making it one of the most visited and revered landmarks in Spain.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out some Amazing Facts About Sagrada Familia

Is a Tour of Sagrada Familia Worth it?

Short Answer: Yes, a tour is worth it. Check out our free guide to the Best tours of Sagrada Familia.

While it is entirely possible and enjoyable to visit the Sagrada Familia without a guide, a guided tour can often elevate a visit to another level. The entry fee of 26 euros includes an audio guide, but audio guides are robotic and cannot answer any questions you may have. That is where the advantage lies with an expert licensed guide. Not only do they have the best stories, but they know the best tips and tricks to navigate security lines and large crowds. In terms of context added and time saved, a guided tour is often well worth the extra cost.

Skip-the-Line Tickets

Some 5 million visitors pass through the Sagrada Familia each year. In high season, tickets sell out weeks in advance, so having the hassle of organizing entry is always nice. This eliminates the confusion outside if there are lots of people trying to get in the right line. A guide with skip-the-line tickets can make this a smooth and quick process.

Small Group Tour

When it is completed in 2026, the Sagrada Familia will be the tallest Basilica in the world. You can easily get lost in its grandeur. We design small group tours so your guide can interact more with each person and take advantage of all of the Basilica’s wonders.

Private Tours

If you enjoy seeing architectural gems at a pace dictated for you, or you don’t play well with others, then our private tours are perfect for you. Our expert guides will tailor an incredible experience for you, providing an unforgettable experience for you and your party.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide on How to Visit the Sagrada Familia

If Tours of Sagrada Familia are Worth it, Which is Best for You?

Now that you know a tour of Sagrada Familia is worth it, check out our tours. We run several tours of Sagrada Familia , but each is different. We run tours that explore the interior and those that just admire it from a distance, it all depends on your own desire, though I feel like not going inside is a huge missed opportunity. You’ll find some of our top Sagrada Familia tours below, and you can explore our full and free Guide to Barcelona .

Unbeatable Barcelona in a Day (6.5 hours)

This is a perfect tour for anybody wanting to get deep under the skin of Barcelona and the genius of Anonit Gaudí.

Gaudí certainly left his mark on the Catalan capital, and with this tour, you’ll explore the imaginative gardens at Park Güell and the incredible Sagrada Familia. Through a stroll around the Gothic Quarter and a few stops for local delicacies, what you have here is a perfect day in Barcelona.

See tour itinerary, price, and description

Skip the Line Sagrada Familia (1.5 hours)

The Sagrada Família is one of the world’s most celebrated buildings. It deserves your undivided attention; with this tour, it will receive it. You’ll meet your enthusiastic, expert licensed guide outside of the Sagrada, where they will regale you with stories of its lengthy construction before expertly leading you through the security lines and into one of the modern architectural wonders of the world.

It is a perfect tour for anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of Gaudís masterpiece.

Private Barcelona in a Day With Sagrada Familia and Park Guell (6.5 hours)

A private tour may be the best option if you prefer group tours. Do you have a young child who loves to ask questions? Have you already been to the Sagrada Familia and want to get answers to some specific questions? Want to customize the tour itinerary slightly to see spots you can’t miss? All of this is possible with a private tour. Not only will your tickets be sorted, but you’ll also be able to skip the long lines and be expertly guided through the security lines. While the price is higher, the VIP treatment makes it all worthwhile.

Private Tour of Barcelona by Electric TukTuk (2 hours)

Are you looking for a fun way to familiarize yourself with Barcelona’s top attractions? Then hopping on an electric TukTuk with a local guide is a fun and fast way to see the city’s highlights.

You won’t explore the interior of Gaudi’s masterpiece. However, you will learn its history and explore Gaudí’s other masterpieces around the city. It’s a fun way for the whole family to see large tracts of Barcelona quickly and enjoyably. It’s especially useful for any visitors with mobility issues.

Barcelona by Electric Bike

Pedal through the Barceloneta and Gothic Quarters with ease, and see La Rambla, the Olympic Village, and much more in just half a day! Head through the Gothic Quarter and see the top works of Gaudi, including the world-famous Sagrada Familia, and take in the rich history and art of the city. Ride along the seaside, taking in the Mediterranean sun and wind that makes Barcelona an amazing place to live and visit. This 4-hour tour will give you the perfect introduction to the magnificent Catalan capital!

See tour itinerary, price, and descripti https://thetourguy.com/tours/barcelona/barcelona-bike-tour on

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide on the Top Things to See at Sagrada Familia

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Sagrada Familia - Is the guided tour worth it? - Barcelona Forum

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Hi everyone,

FWIW, we just booked the guided tour for our upcoming trip. We don't normally do tours either, but I figure it might be useful this time. It'll be interesting to see what others say about the tour.

Hello Susan,

I have been there as a solo traveller and felt the tour guide is not a big thing for me but I would recommend it if you are group or semi group.

Hi Susan and Scott. I strongly recommend the guided tour. It is only 4 Euros more than an audioguide visit on the official website ( http://sagradafamilia.org ) and it includes the audioguide, so you can listen before the tour if you are so inclined. I have found 3 different guides (2016, 2018, 2022) to be very well informed and engaging. The guided tour leaves you after the tour with all the time you want to go back and explore the Basilica on your own, and/or the very interesting museum below, so you really have nothing to lose.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Sagrada Familia in Barcelona ‘will be completed in 2026’

New date for Antoni Gaudí’s basilica announced but enormous, controversial stairway will take another eight years

Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia basilica has a new completion date of 2026, which will come 144 years after the first stone was laid.

The president of the organisation tasked with completing Antoni Gaudí’s masterwork announced the date last Wednesday, which coincides with the centenary of the death of the building’s architect.

Esteve Camps said they had the money and material to finish the building, including the 172.5-metre central tower dedicated to Jesus Christ, making the Sagrada Familia Barcelona’s tallest building.

Although the building is set to be complete by 2026, work on sculptures and decorative details and, above all, the controversial stairway leading to what will eventually be the main entrance, is expected to continue until 2034.

When work began in 1882 the site was open farmland but in the intervening years the city has grown up around the church. The stairway, which would extend across two large city blocks, would involve dislodging about 1,000 families and businesses.

While some Gaudí scholars dispute it, Camps insists that the stairway was always part of the architect’s plan.

“We are following Gaudí’s plan to the letter, he said. “We are his heirs and we can’t renounce his project. The plan presented to the local authority in 1915, which was signed by Gaudí, includes the stairway.” He added that they were in talks with the mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, over the plan, as the local authority has the last word. “I don’t have a crystal ball to tell me when they will make a decision,” he said.

Since its inception, the Sagrada Familia has been dogged by war, neglect and a lack of finance. Most recently, the Covid pandemic led to a two-year hiatus in work on the site.

Before the advent of mass tourism, work was to be funded exclusively by donations from repentant sinners, which made cashflow unpredictable and many doubted that the work would ever be completed. The poet Joan Maragall described the basilica as “the poetry of architecture … a temple that will never be finished, that is constantly becoming”.

For decades now, tourism has guaranteed a steady income, with close to 5 million visitors a year paying €25-40 (£20-£32) a visit. Slightly more than half of the €125m this brings in goes to completing the work. How the rest is spent remains a mystery as the church is not obliged to publish its accounts.

In 1936, at the start of the Spanish civil war, anarchists set fire to the crypt and destroyed Gaudí’s workshop and the plaster models he made as a guide for his successors to complete the work. The architect Lluís Bonet i Garí rescued the fragments and Gaudí’s models were painstakingly reassembled. Many of the technical details of how to realise Gaudí’s design were later ironed out by the New Zealand architect Mark Burry using aeronautical software.

The Sagrada Familia is regarded as one of the wonders of the modern world but that wasn’t always the case. Salvador Dalí described its “terrifying and edible beauty” while George Orwell considered it “one of the most hideous buildings in the world” and commented that the anarchists showed a lack of taste for failing to blow it up when they had the chance.

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Barcelona's Sagrada Familia to be finally finished 144 years after building work began

• Architecture
• Monday 25 March 2024 at 1:12pm

The central tower of Barcelona's famous Sagrada Familia is due to finally be complete 144 years after the building work first started in 1882, according to the Sagrada Familia Foundation.

The completion of the central tower of Jesus Christ in 2026 will mark the end of the lengthy process of building one of the world's most iconic pieces of architecture.

The church is the most famous piece by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, who is buried in the crypt of the Sagrada Familia.

If work on the tower is finished in 2026 as planned, the completion of the building will coincide with the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death.

The four Evangelist towers, representing Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, surround the tower of Jesus Christ, and together with the tower of the Virgin Mary, which was inaugurated in 2021, they make up the six main towers of the Sagrada Familia.

The city celebrated the inauguration of the Evangelist towers on November 12 last year.

Another incomplete element of the building, the Chapel of the Assumption, is expected to be finished in 2025.

The Sagrada Familia is one of the most visited sites in Spain, having attracted more than 4.7 million visitors in 2023, according to the Foundation.

The original design for the church was by architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, and included neo-Gothic elements such as ogival windows, flying buttresses and a pointed bell tower.

Technical differences about the cost of materials led then-up-and-coming architect Antoni Gaudi to take over in designing the church, which has since become one of the most recognisable buildings in the world.

The Sagrada Familia was the final project Gaudi worked on before his death in 1926, and he only saw one of the towers, the bell tower dedicated to the apostle Barnabas, completed within his lifetime.

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Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia Will Finally Be Complete in 2026 After More Than 140 Years

Gaudí's famous church will soon be construction-free., tori latham, tori latham's most recent stories.

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It’s a landmark that’s been more than 140 years in the making—and now, it will finally be complete.

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Despite not yet being a complete building, Sagrada Familia was honored as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, and Pope Benedict XVI consecrated it for religious worship in 2010. In 2016, authorities realized the structure had never been given official planning permission, meaning the construction had been occurring illegally for some 130-plus years. Barcelona’s city council belatedly issued a building permit in 2019. At that time, the project was about 70 percent complete, so crews have been working at a somewhat speedy clip in the intervening years.

Once fully finished, the Sagrada Familia will become the tallest church in the world, CNN reports, beating out Germany’s Ulm Minster for that title. The Tower of Jesus Christ, that final component, will stand 566 feet tall and feature a 56-foot-tall four-armed cross.

Tori Latham is a digital staff writer at Robb Report. She was previously a copy editor at The Atlantic, and has written for publications including The Cut and The Hollywood Reporter. When not…

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