Basílica de la Sagrada Família

Construction of the Sagrada Família, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, began in 1883 and remains unfinished to this day. Gaudí, aware that he would not see its completion, left detailed plans for his successors. Since his death in 1926, the modernist genius has watched over the progress from his tomb in the crypt. 

Currently, 70% of the basilica has been completed, and efforts are focused on the construction of its six central towers.

Its spires, visible from multiple points in the city, have become a defining element of Barcelona. Their purpose is to guide pilgrims on their way. Barcelona cannot be understood without this expiatory temple, to which Antoni Gaudí dedicated 40 years of his life.

Gaudí spent the last 15 years of his life exclusively on the Sagrada Família, a work that synthesizes his entire architectural evolution. He applied all the discoveries he had made in previous projects, such as Casa Batlló, Torre Bellesguard and La Pedrera. As the architect himself once stated: “The structure of the Sagrada Família was first tested in Colònia Güell. Without that preliminary trial, I wouldn’t have dared to adopt it for the temple.”

The Sagrada Família, a long history that continues 

The foundation stone of the Expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Família was laid on March 19, 1882, marking the beginning of the crypt’s construction. Shortly afterward—due to disagreements with the promoters—the project’s direction passed into the hands of Antoni Gaudí.

One of Gaudí’s greatest contributions to the construction was the application of catenary arches, which allow the creation of large buildings without the need for lateral buttresses. Many columns in the Sagrada Família are tilted because they form part of a catenary arch. This type of arch minimizes horizontal tensions and distributes most of its forces toward the foundations, making it possible to eliminate lateral buttresses almost entirely, leaving the arch nearly bare.

The building’s floor plan follows the Latin cross basilica layout, featuring five naves, a transept with three naves, and a spacious ambulatory that includes seven polygonal chapels and two spiral staircases leading to the choir, where singers are positioned. For the design of its structures, Gaudí drew inspiration from natural forms, creating tree trunk-shaped columns that transform the basilica’s interior into a vast stone forest.

To reduce the weight of the ceilings and illuminate the space, the architect designed skylights in the gaps between the columns. These skylights, based on hyperboloid shapes, are made of golden and green glass pieces, allowing sunlight to enter.
 

The best of the Basília’s interior and exterior

The most remarkable feature inside the Sagrada Família is its impressive columns, built from materials of varying hardness. Inside the basilica, there are long, thick columns made of red porphyry, a volcanic rock; smaller, dark columns crafted from basalt; and granite columns that reflect the exterior light.

A special mention must be made of the altar and apse of the Sagrada Família, which are located within one of the seven crypts that form part of the basilica. The crypt’s interior is adorned with angel heads and an image of Jesus hanging on the cross. On either side, staircases ascend, symbolizing the path between earth and heaven.

As for the façades, the Nativity Façade (to the northwest, facing Gaudí Square) features three doors with sculptures representing the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity. The entrances are separated by two columns, each bearing a turtle—one symbolizing the sea and the other the mountains. The central access is decorated with the Three Wise Men, while between the doors stand Joseph and Mary with Jesus.

Undoubtedly, one of the most distinctive aspects of the Sagrada Família is its verticality, aimed at symbolically reaching toward God. This vision will be fully realized upon the completion of the 18 towers designed by Gaudí, each dedicated to a specific figure and topped with pinnacles that blend into the sky.

How to get to the Sagrada Família?

The Blue Route of the Barcelona Bus Turístic has a Sagrada Família stop that drops visitors right in front of the monument.

Schedules, Prices, and Tickets for the Sagrada Família

All information on how to plan your visit, ticket types, prices, and opening hours is available on the official website of the Basilica of the Sagrada Família. During peak season, for convenience and to ensure access, it is recommended to purchase tickets online.

For the curious ones

• Hidden within the Sagrada Família is the symbol of a magic square consisting of 16 numbers that, when summed vertically and horizontally, always total 33—the age of Christ. A similar magic square can be seen in Albrecht Dürer's famous engraving “Melencolia”.
• Within the basilica’s grounds, near Carrer Sardenya, Gaudí built the Sagrada Família Schools between 1908 and 1909, intended to accommodate children from disadvantaged families in the neighborhood and the children of workers building the basilica. The French architect Le Corbusier sketched the structure during a visit to Barcelona in 1928 and, despite not being a modernist admirer, was influenced by Gaudí.
• Once Gaudí’s envisioned temple is completed, it will permanently reshape Barcelona’s skyline—no building has ever dared to surpass the height intended for the Sagrada Família.