No building in the world looks like the Sagrada Família. Antoni Gaudí took over the project in 1883, a year after the first stone was laid, and devoted the rest of his life to it. He is buried in its crypt. More than 140 years later, construction is still going on – paid for by donations and visitors’ tickets.
What to see
The façades
The Nativity façade, the one Gaudí saw built, is covered in sculpted plants, animals and figures. The angular Passion façade opposite is stark and dramatic. The main Glory façade is still being built.
The nave
Inside, columns branch like trees towards a ceiling of stars. The stained glass turns the light blue and green in the morning and orange and red in the afternoon – choose your time slot accordingly.
The towers
A separate ticket takes you up one of the towers by lift for views over the city; you come down by a narrow spiral staircase.
World Heritage and basilica
The Nativity façade and the crypt are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Works of Antoni Gaudí”. Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the church as a basilica in 2010.
Tips
- Book online well ahead: tickets are timed and often sell out.
- Late afternoon gives the warmest colours through the west windows.
- Dress respectfully: it is a place of worship, with shoulders and knees covered.
- Take the audio guide – the symbolism is half the fun.
