La Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain
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La Sagrada Família, located in the Eixample District, has been under construction since March 19, 1882, and is one of the most remarkable basilicas in the world. It has a rich history, stunning Gothic architecture, and breathtaking designs that make you want to explore more.
The towering spires of La Sagrada Familia immediately capture your attention. But what’s even more breathtaking is the interior. With stunning stained glass, dreamy arches, and huge columns.
If you’re planning your itinerary for Barcelona, this guide will help you with:
🎟️ How to buy skip-the-line tickets for La Sagrada Familia
⏰ The best time to visit La Sagrada Familia in 2025
😅 Dress codes, time-saving tips, and common mistakes to avoid
📸 A comparison of the interior versus exterior of La Sagrada Familia (and why you need to experience both!)
about La Sagrada Família
Let’s be real — Sagrada Família isn’t just a touristy photo stop. It’s the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world (but not the largest), with a wild backstory that makes the experience 10x more meaningful.
✝️ It all started with a bookseller
Back in 1872, a devout bookseller named José María Bocabella visited the Vatican and came home to Barcelona with a dream: build a massive church. Funded by donations, construction officially began on March 19, 1882.
🧠 Enter Gaudí
The first architect, Francisco de Paula del Villar, dipped out after a year — and that’s when Antoni Gaudí took over. He infused the project with his unique blend of Gothic and curvy Art Nouveau styles, turning it into a symbolic, nature-inspired masterpiece.
Gaudí devoted the rest of his life to this project. When he died in 1926, the basilica was only 25% complete, and he was buried inside the crypt.
🔥 Civil war & chaos
The Spanish Civil War (1936 – 1939) threw everything off. Anarchists torched the crypt and destroyed parts of Gaudí’s plans. Thankfully, some models and photos were saved, and architect Francesc de Paula Quintana stepped in to carry on the vision.
💻 Fast forward to 2000's+
Fast forward to the 2000s: 3D modeling and advanced tech helped speed things up. The church passed its midpoint in 2010, and even though construction was delayed a bit during COVID, the goal is now 2026 (100 years after Gaudí’s death). However, some exterior features won’t be done until 2034.
⛪ BTW
La Sagrada Família may look like Barcelona’s main cathedral, but it’s not!
That title actually goes to Barcelona Cathedral, the city’s official seat of the archbishop, located in the Gothic Quarter.
ticket info + how to buy
TL;DR: Book ahead, skip the lines, and don’t just wing it.
Here’s how to buy La Sagrada Familia tickets the smart way (with options I personally recommend 🤓).
Option 1: Book on the Official Website
On the Sagrada Família official site, you’ll first choose your visitor type:
INDIVIDUAL
less than 9 people
GROUP
30+ people with a guide
SCHOOL VISIT
for students and educational groups
If you’re going solo, with friends, or as a couple — stick to the Individual option. Here are the main ticket types:
📱 ENTRY + AUDIO GUIDE
Explore at your own pace with the official app. Super convenient if you like doing your own thing.
📢 GUIDED TOUR
Join a small group tour led by an expert. Great for understanding Gaudí’s vision and symbolism.
🏛️ ENTRY + TOWER ACCESS
Includes basilica admission + a self-guided visit to one of the towers (elevator up, stairs down!).
⛰️ GUIDED TOUR + TOWER ACCESS
The most complete experience—learn everything and see the views from above.
💡 PRO TIP
The official site doesn’t always offer flexible rescheduling or refunds.
If your plans aren’t 100% locked in, a third-party platform like GetYourGuide might be a safer bet.
(More on that below ↓)
Option 2: Book through GetYourGuide
This is what we used, and I loved how smooth the process was. You can:
Get instant e-tickets to your email
Cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund
Choose from a variety of skip-the-line options
➪ We chose the Entry Ticket with Audio Guide, downloaded the audio to our phones, used our own earphones, and explored the basilica at our own pace.
MORE CURATED PICKS VIA GETYOURGUIDE
💡 PRO TIP
If you’re even thinking about visiting the towers, book it early — they sell out fast.
entrance breakdown
There are three types of entrances at La Sagrada Família:
GENERAL ENTRANCE
for most individual visitors
GROUP ENTRANCE
for 9+ people with a guide
SCHOOL ENTRANCE
for student groups only
Depending on your ticket, you’ll either enter through the main facade or the side. Guided tours often use separate access points, so be sure to check your confirmation email.
exterior vs interior
Some people just admire Sagrada Família from the outside — but honestly, you’ll miss half the experience.
The Exterior = Gaudí’s surreal stone storytelling
There are three facades, symbolizes the three virtures: faith, hope, and love, each packed with symbolic detail, dedicated to Christ’s life.
Nativity Façade dedicated to Christ’s birth,
Passion Façade: Christ’s suffering
Glory Façade: heaven and resurrection ✨
The Interior = You’ll gasp. Then stare. Then gasp again.
Gaudí designed the towering columns to mimic trees, with a canopy-like ceiling
Light pours in through vibrant stained-glass windows, shifting colors as the day goes on
It feels like walking through a kaleidoscope forest inside
know before you go!
| WHAT TO KNOW | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| ADMISSION | Pre-book online to skip waiting in line to purchase tickets. Choose between solo visit, guided tour, and/or tower access |
| BEST TIME TO GO | Early morning or sunset (for that magical stained-glass glow). Weekdays = fewer crowds |
| DRESS CODE | This is still a church. No short shorts, short skirts, spaghetti straps, or see-through clothes. Shoulders covered. Hats off! |
| ETIQUETTE | Speak softly. No running. No smoking. No tripods or pro gear inside. |
| PAYMENT | Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, JCB, Amex. |
| PERFECT FOR | History lovers, architecture lovers, families, spiritual travelers. |
| PET POLICY | No pets allowed |
| ESTIMATED DURATION | 1.5 to 2 hours |
final thoughts
La Sagrada Família isn’t just another basilica — it’s an inspirational story made of stone and light.
Before visiting, I had no idea the Sagrada Família had been under construction since 1882. Wild, right?
As we walked closer to the basilica, the exterior completely overwhelmed me — in the best way possible. The sculptures were so detailed and towering, I couldn’t even take it all in at once (also: very bright sun 🌞).
Heading inside was my favorite part.
The stained glass windows bathe everything in color. The soaring columns really do feel like walking through a forest. It’s peaceful. It’s awe-inspiring. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel small in the most beautiful way.
And even though it’s technically unfinished, the experience feels whole — like you’re witnessing a living masterpiece still becoming what it was always meant to be.
Book your tickets early so you can skip the lines and soak it all in without the chaos.
🎟️ Check prices and see ticket options here
visit info
watch my Barcelona travel vlog!
If you want to see the stunning La Sagrada Família start at 1:09!
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Sagrada Família: History of the Basílica
Sagrada Família: The Sagrada Família Booklets
Wikipedia: Sagrada Família
DISCOVER MORE
05102024 18:55
Visiting Barcelona for the first time? Don’t miss Gaudí’s legendary La Sagrada Família — yes, it’s still under construction (since 1882!) and yes, it’s totally worth it.