Antoni Gaudís work of brilliance, The Sagrada Família is Spain’s most visited historic attraction and Gaudís most famous work. We explain its history and how to get there, so see for yourself this iconic Gaudí building.
The famous Sagrada Família Barcelona, described as one of Gaudí’s most iconic and famous buildings. It sheers dominance over the skyline of Barcelona creates a sense of marvel today, just as it did as construction began over 140 years ago. The incredible magnitude of this basilica is a symbol not only of Gaudí, but of Barcelona and Catalunya. Today, more than ever, visitors come each year in their millions to view this unique historic landmark.
Antoni Gaudi & The Sagrada Familia
Born in Reus on the 25th of June 1852 Antoni Gaudí set out to become one of the world’s most distinct and ahead of his time architects. Gaudís father was a pot smith and Gaudí learned aspects of this trade from his father. In school Gaudí excelled at Geometry and arithmetic which no doubt helped him in the tasks ahead. The most important influence for Gaudi is nature, this influence, clearly seen in nearly all of Antoni Gaudís projects.
The most famous and visited attraction in Barcelona, is the Sagrada Família and is a masterpiece of modernist architect Antoni Gaudí which forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site as does several other Gaudí creations. Gaudí dedicated a remarkable 40 years of his life to the Sagrada Família project and as a religious man he was devoted to seeing its completion but famously said that his client (God) was not in rush. The last 12 years of Gaudís life was entirely dedicated to this project.
140 years in construction and still to be completed
Sagrada Familia Barcelona
The Sagrada Família, described as gothic, Catalan modernism or art nouveau. Its unique design still creates hot debate, with many finding this a unique masterpiece and other calling it hideous. The fact that this iconic landmark creates so much debate only adds to its appeal. An incredible 3 million people a year choose to visit Gaudís masterpiece. While the exterior may be breathtaking, the interior is almost magical. The unique Gaudí designed support columns branch out like trees and the central vault an incredible 60 meters of height. Visitors may be surprised to know that the Sagrada Família is still in construction. The current completion day currently set at 2026.
How to get to the Sagrada Familia Barcelona
Today you can visit this masterpiece of Gaudí by a simple entrance to the basilica. You can also choose one of many guided tours. To get to the Sagrada Família situated on the Carrer de la Marina you can get the metro lines 2 and 5 to Sagrada Família metro station which is directly opposite the basilica or arrive at the following buses 19, 33, 34, D50, H10 and B24.
Opening times are at the time of writing Monday – Saturday 9am – 6pm and Sundays 10:30am – 6pm. These times could change due to any special events taking place.
There will be long ques for entry during the summer months, so we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance for quick admission to the basilica. Dress code should be respectful as you will be visiting a historic religious building. There may be certain rules on using mobile phones, such as keeping on silent mode or recording videos.
OUR GUIDES TOP TIP
When visiting the Sagrada Família check the weather forecast. Why do this you ask? Well, it’s all to do with the projection of sunlight through the churches stained-glass windows. On a sunny and cloud free day, the natural sunlight at certain times of the day shines through the stained-glass window, creating a magical light spectacle within the interior of the church.
