Planning a trip to Barcelona? Whether you’re staying for a week or just passing through, La Sagrada Família is one spot you absolutely can’t miss.
This isn’t your average European church—it’s a jaw-dropping, ever-evolving architectural marvel that’s been under construction for over 140 years. Being from Spain, I’ve visited a few times, and honestly? Each visit feels brand new.
Whether you’re religious or not, into architecture or not, La Sagrada Família is an experience worth having. Here’s the full story of how it came to be, what makes it so magical, and how to make the most of your visit.
A Quick Look at the History of La Sagrada Familia
Construction on La Sagrada Família began in 1882. At first, it was a simple neo-Gothic church designed by Francisco de Paula del Villar. A year later, Antoni Gaudí—just 31 years old at the time—took over and completely reimagined the whole thing.
For more than 40 years, Gaudi dedicated himself to the basilica, spending the last 12 years of his life working on it full-time. He even moved into a tiny on-site room so he could live and breathe the project.
You might also like:
Tragically, Gaudí was hit by a tram in 1926 and passed away with only a fraction of the church completed. Since then, construction has continued through wars, funding gaps, and pandemics. Today, it’s financed entirely by visitor tickets and donations—just as Gaudí intended.
As of now, 13 of the planned 18 towers are complete, and the team is aiming to finish by 2026—exactly 100 years after Gaudí’s death. Will it happen? Hard to say. But even unfinished, it’s one of the most mesmerizing buildings you’ll ever see.
What Makes La Sagrada Família So Special
More Than Just a Church
If you’ve seen a lot of catholic churches in your travels, you might think you’ve seen it all. But trust me—La Sagrada Família is unlike anything else.
Gaudí wanted this basilica to be a fusion of faith, nature, and imagination. And he pulled it off. When completed, the basilica will feature:
- 12 towers representing the apostles
- 4 for the evangelists (with their symbolic animals: lion, eagle, ox, angel)
- 1 for the Virgin Mary (completed in 2021 with a glowing 12-pointed star on top)
- 1 for Jesus Christ, set to reach 172.5 meters, just below the height of Montjuïc hill—because Gaudí believed no man-made structure should be taller than nature
The towers shimmer in the sun thanks to trencadís—Gaudí’s signature mosaic style using broken ceramic tiles. It’s worth seeing at different times of day to catch the full effect.
If you’re up for heights, definitely try to get tower access tickets. I haven’t done it yet (still psyching myself up), but everyone I know says the views are spectacular.
Telling the Story of Jesus in Stone: The Three Facades
Gaudí crafted three elaborate facades to represent different phases of Jesus’ life:
- Nativity Facade: Joyful and bursting with detail, this was the only one completed during Gaudí’s lifetime. Look for the Holy Family, doves, angels, and even trees and animals.
- Passion Facade: More modern and dramatic, this one captures the suffering and death of Jesus. It’s powerful and raw. Don’t miss the “magic square” near the Kiss of Judas scene—no matter how you add it, it totals 33.
- Glory Facade: Still under construction, this will become the main entrance. It’s already impressive, with bronze doors inscribed with the Lord’s Prayer in Catalan and lines in 50 other languages.
If you’re preparing for your first solo trip to Barcelona, check out my top tips for flying alone to start off on the right foot!
The Interior: Light, Color, and Sacred Geometry
The moment you step inside, it feels like entering a forest made of light. Gaudí designed the columns to resemble tree trunks, branching out into a canopy overhead. The ceiling feels alive.
The stained glass windows are nothing short of magical. Morning brings in cool blues and greens; afternoon bathes the space in reds and oranges. It’s like watching the whole mood shift with the sun.
Above the altar, a suspended crucifix hangs beneath a canopy of wheat and grapes—symbols of the Eucharist. And just above that, you’ll spot a golden triangle representing God the Creator.
Down below, in a quiet crypt, Gaudí is buried. It’s a peaceful place, and standing there, you really feel the depth of his dedication.
How to Get to La Sagrada Família
La Sagrada Família is located in the heart of the Eixample district, making it one of the most accessible landmarks in Barcelona. Whether you’re staying in the Gothic Quarter, Gràcia, or around Plaça de Catalunya, you can get there easily.
Hop on the metro and take either Line 2 (purple) or Line 5 (blue) to the Sagrada Família station. When you step out of the station, you’ll be greeted with an unforgettable first view—the towers rising up right in front of you. It’s no wonder this spot is TikTok-famous!
Prefer to walk? It’s a beautiful stroll through the city, and there are plenty of cafes and bakeries to stop at along the way. The hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus also has a stop right outside.
Quick tip: This is a high-traffic area. Expect crowds, street performers, and unfortunately, pickpockets. Keep your bag zipped and your phone tucked away so you can focus on soaking in the view, not stressing about keeping your stuff safe.
Top Tips for Visiting La Sagrada Família
Here’s everything I wish I’d known the first time I visited:
- Book your ticket online in advance. Seriously. Don’t risk showing up without one—this place gets packed, especially in summer.
- Go early or late. Mornings and late afternoons are usually less crowded, and the light is absolutely stunning.
- Add tower access if you can. The views are unreal. Just make sure you’re okay with heights and narrow staircases!
- Join a guided tour or use the audio guide. I loved the audio guide—super informative and easy to follow. Or book a skip-the-line guided tour.
- Wear comfy shoes. Between the basilica, the museum, and maybe the towers, you’ll be walking a lot.
- Don’t skip the museum. It’s hidden under the church and full of Gaudí’s models, sketches, and inspiration. So worth it.
- The gift shop is actually great. Beautiful, unique souvenirs—and your purchase supports the ongoing construction.
- Take photos from the park across the street. It’s where you’ll get that iconic shot with the basilica in the background.
Basic entry is around €26. Want to add tower access or an audio guide? Expect to pay a bit more. Students and travelers under 30 often get a discount, so don’t forget to bring your ID!
Why You Should Visit La Sagrada Família
Even if you’ve seen your fair share of Spanish churches, La Sagrada Família is in a league of its own. Gaudí poured so much soul and imagination into this place that walking inside feels less like touring a religious site and more like stepping into a dream.
One of the things I love most? It’s still growing. Even after more than 140 years, it’s being built piece by piece, just as Gaudí imagined. And every time I’ve gone back, I’ve spotted something new.
Even better? It’s funded entirely by visitors. No big-name donors, no corporate sponsorship. Just people like us helping finish one of the world’s greatest architectural achievements.
If you’re in Barcelona, don’t skip it. Walk around the outside if that’s all you have time for. But if you can go in? Do it. Stand still. Look up. Let the light spill over you. It’s unforgettable.
FAQs About La Sagrada Familia
Now that we’ve explored the beauty and wonder of the Sagrada Família, let’s run through a few of the most common questions travelers ask before they visit.
What is La Sagrada Familia famous for?
La Sagrada Família is famous for its one-of-a-kind architecture, designed by Antoni Gaudí. It blends Gothic and Art Nouveau styles with bold natural forms, symbolic details, and jaw-dropping stained glass. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited landmarks in Spain.
Why is Sagrada Familia still not finished?
The Sagrada Familia is still not finished because it’s incredibly detailed and fully funded by donations. Construction started in 1882, slowed during the Spanish Civil War, and has continued on and off ever since. Gaudí knew it would take generations, and that’s part of what makes it so special.
Can you just walk into the Sagrada Familia?
No, you can’t just walk into the Sagrada Familia without a ticket—and honestly, don’t risk showing up without one. They sell out quickly, especially during busy months. Your best bet is to book online in advance. You can also join a guided tour to learn even more as you explore.
How much time do you need to visit Sagrada Familia?
Give yourself at least 1.5 to 2 hours to visit the Sagrada Familia. That gives you enough time to walk around, enjoy the stunning interior, visit the museum, and even go up a tower if you’ve booked that. Go early to enjoy it without the crowds!
Is there a dress code for the Sagrada Familia?
Yes, there’s a dress code, and it’s good to be prepared. Since it’s a place of worship, you’ll need to dress modestly—think no sleeveless tops, super short shorts, or anything see-through. Just aim to have your shoulders and knees covered, and you’ll be good to go.
So, Is Visiting La Sagrada Família Worth It?
Absolutely. Between the soaring towers, stained glass glow, and the fact that it’s still a work in progress after 140+ years, La Sagrada Família is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been. I hope this guide gave you the inspiration and confidence to add it to your own adventure list!
Already dreaming about where to go next? This Southeast Asia bucket list is full of unforgettable destinations to inspire your next trip!
This article was written by the creator of Her Asian Adventures, a travel blog dedicated to helping women explore Asia safely, confidently, and affordably. You can follow along at herasianadventures.com or on Pinterest.
Other posts you might like
- Where to stay in Marbella
- Must-buy souvenirs in Seville
- Cadiz Cathedral
- Must-eats in Valencia
- Hiking the Torrent de Pareis
