“The creation continues incessantly through the media of man.“ - Antoni Gaudi.
Basílica de la Sagrada Família, or simply Sagrada Família, is the most known tourist attraction in Barcelona. The Spanish Catalan Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) was the architect and builder until his death in 1926. The basilica is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was sanctified by Pope Benedict XVI on 7 November 2010.
“There are no straight lines or sharp corners in nature. Therefore, buildings must have no straight lines or sharp corners.” - Antoni Gaudi
The construction of the Sagrada Família began in March 1882, under the architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. A year later, Villar resigned and Antoni Gaudí became chief architect, redesigning the entire basilica in a combination of two stiles: Gothic and Art Nuveau. As a token of gratitude for dedicating his last 12 years to this project, Gaudi was granted a final resting place in the church’s crypt after his death in 1926 when less than a quarter of the project was complete (a facade and four towers).
Relying solely on private donations, the construction progressed slowly and was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War when the crypt was set on fire which destroyed Gaudí's original plans, drawings and models. It took 16 years to piece together the fragments of the master blueprint, a 3D design left by Gaudi to his successors. Construction resumed in 1950.
Technologies like computer aided design and computerized numerical control have assured a faster progress and the construction reached its midpoint in 2010. The building will be completed in 2026 to commemorate the centenary of Gaudí's death.
Visitors can access the Nave, Crypt, Museum, Shop, the “Passion” and “Nativity” towers. Entrance requires a reservation and the purchase of an online ticket in advance which can be made here.
Access into the towers is possible by taking an elevator followed by a short set of stairs to reach the bridge between the steeples while the descent consists of a spiral staircase of over 300 steps.
Please keep in mind that visiting the towers it is not recommended for those who suffer of claustrophobia.
TIP: You can acquire a Barcelona City Pass – an electronic ticket on your mobile phone - that combines the city’s best attractions: Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell. The card offers you the possibility to skip the line, includes an audio guide, airport transfer and a ticket for the official Barcelona city Hop-on Hop-Off tourist bus. You can purchase the pass here.