La Sagrada Família (Church of the Sacred Family)
#1 in Best Things To Do in Barcelona
1 of 4
2 of 4Price & Hours
Details
Scorecard
- Value 4.0
- Facilities 4.0
- Atmosphere 5.0
U.S. News Insider Tip: Wander 20 minutes north to reach Hospital de Sant Pau. This elaborate, UNESCO-listed former hospital was the brainchild of architect Lluis Domènech i Montaner and is a beautiful example of Catalan art nouveau architecture. – Laura French
From 1883 up until his death in 1926, Catalan art nouveau master Antoni Gaudí devoted himself to the construction of La Sagrada Família, a towering, Gothic-style-with-a-twist church. But even then, he was unable to finish it; Gaudí was known for saying "My client (God) is not in a hurry."
Renovations
The basilica, which is funded by private donations, is still under construction today and is expected to be completed by 2026.
La Sagrada Família is not only considered to be Gaudí's most recognized work, but also his best. But the church wasn't always Gaudí's. The architect that was first commissioned to work on the Sagrada, Francisco de Paula del Villar, was replaced after disagreeing with its promoters. When Gaudí took on the project, he changed it entirely. Instead of the original neo-Gothic style, he looked toward something more innovative. While the church does feature Gothic elements, there are plenty of unconventional details that deviate from that norm throughout, resulting in an eye-catching structure that is entirely one of a kind.
Even if you're not all that interested in architecture, you'll find this masterpiece — like Gaudí's other work — a feast for the eyes and full of symbolism. Gaudí's main goal for La Sagrada Família was to teach people about Catholicism through architecture. The best place to see this is right outside the church. The four towers represent the 12 apostles and the intricately carved façades at the base show the life of Christ, from birth to death and then resurrection. La Sagrada Família's interior is just as striking, from the smooth, nearly white stone columns to the rows of vibrant stained-glass windows.
Travelers were in complete awe of the church's magnificent architecture, and the striking colors that stream in through the stained glass. Visitors recommended choosing tickets that include a visit to the towers for sweeping views over the city, and some suggested downloading the official smartphone app to enjoy access to an audio guide. Take your time here; there's so much to observe, and many details to take in both inside and out.
Tickets
Considering the church's popularity, travelers warn that it does get crowded. As such, it's a good idea to book tickets online in advance to avoid lines. Several of the city's top guided tours offer skip-the-line access, in addition to providing cultural and historical commentary.
There’s a Sagrada Família metro stop right outside the church, served by lines 2 and 5. You can admire its impressive façade for free from the outside, but if you want to go in and explore (as travelers highly recommend doing), admission costs 26 euros for adults (about $28), or 36 euros (around $38) if you'd like to visit one of the towers; children younger than 11 can enter for free. The Sagrada Família opens at 9 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 10:30 a.m. on Sundays year-round, but closing hours vary by season, ranging from 6 to 8 p.m. Keep in mind that the church enforces a dress code. Hats aren’t permitted (unless for religious or health reasons), shoulders need to be covered and shorts and skirts must be mid-thigh or longer. For more information, check out La Sagrada Família's website.
More Best Things To Do in Barcelona
1 of 16
2 of 16#2 Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)
The Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter, sits at the heart of the Ciutat Vella – the oldest part of Barcelona – and, considering its location next to the city center, is one of its liveliest neighborhoods. Here you'll find beautiful examples of Roman and Medieval-era architecture rubbing elbows with the many shops, restaurants, alfresco cafes, bars and clubs that line its narrow roads and picturesque plazas – and there are so many plazas to explore. Aside from Plaça de la Seu, which you'll no doubt end up in if you visit the Barcelona Cathedral, make sure you stop in the smaller Plaça Sant Felip Neri, which was bombed by Spanish dictator Francisco Franco during the Spanish Civil War (you can see scars from the attack on the church in the square). The palm tree-clad Plaça Reial is meanwhile much more energetic and usually buzzes until the wee hours of the morning. Another notable plaza is Plaça Sant Jaume, where the Catalan seat of government has been since the Middle Ages.
No matter where you end up in the Gothic Quarter, travelers say its Spanish splendor will leave you charmed long after you leave. Many enjoyed strolling its narrow alleys and admiring its atmospheric, back-in-time architecture, and several said it was the highlight of their stay. Some suggested taking part in a walking tour if you're interested in learning more about the history behind the neighborhood.
The Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter, sits at the heart of the Ciutat Vella – the oldest part of Barcelona – and, considering its location next to the city center, is one of its liveliest neighborhoods. Here you'll find beautiful examples of Roman and Medieval-era architecture rubbing elbows with the many shops, restaurants, alfresco cafes, bars and clubs that line its narrow roads and picturesque plazas – and there are so many plazas to explore. Aside from Plaça de la Seu, which you'll no doubt end up in if you visit the Barcelona Cathedral, make sure you stop in the smaller Plaça Sant Felip Neri, which was bombed by Spanish dictator Francisco Franco during the Spanish Civil War (you can see scars from the attack on the church in the square). The palm tree-clad Plaça Reial is meanwhile much more energetic and usually buzzes until the wee hours of the morning. Another notable plaza is Plaça Sant Jaume, where the Catalan seat of government has been since the Middle Ages.
No matter where you end up in the Gothic Quarter, travelers say its Spanish splendor will leave you charmed long after you leave. Many enjoyed strolling its narrow alleys and admiring its atmospheric, back-in-time architecture, and several said it was the highlight of their stay. Some suggested taking part in a walking tour if you're interested in learning more about the history behind the neighborhood.
Explore More of Barcelona
If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.
Recommended
