Visiting the Sagrada Familia

Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882 under the direction of an architect who abandoned the project shortly afterwards. A year later, in 1883, Gaudí took over the project and completely transformed the original design.

Gaudí dedicated more than 40 years to this work until his death in 1926. Although he only saw one of the 18 towers completed, his vision continues to guide the construction of the temple.

In 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudí’s death, the Tower of Jesus Christ was completed, the tallest of the basilica, marking a key milestone in its development.

Although it is impressive from the outside, it is well worth visiting the interior of the Sagrada Familia to appreciate all its details. These are the key elements included in the visit:

• Nativity Façade: The oldest façade, it represents the birth of Jesus with rich decorative detail inspired by nature.
• Passion Façade: More austere in style with severe lines, it reflects the suffering of Jesus’ final days, from the Last Supper to the Crucifixion and Resurrection.
• Façade of Glory: Still under construction, this will be the main entrance to the Sagrada Familia and the most monumental façade.
• Interior of the Basilica: A unique space with stained-glass windows that change the light throughout the day, creating blue/green tones in the morning and red/orange tones in the afternoon. Tree-like columns create a forest effect, giving a sense of space and height.
• Sagrada Familia Museum: Explains the history of the temple and the entire construction process, with models and original plans by Gaudí.
• Crypt: The burial place of Gaudí.
• Towers: A set of 18 towers symbolising the Apostles, the Evangelists, the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ, the tallest reaching 172.5 metres. Currently, you can visit the towers on the Nativity façade (sea views) and the Passion façade (views over the city centre), and in the future it will be possible to access the Jesus tower with a large viewing platform over Barcelona.

The Sagrada Familia is in its final phase of construction. In February 2026, the cross at the top of the Tower of Jesus Christ was installed, reaching its maximum height. However, elements such as the Façade of Glory, some towers and decorative details still need to be completed.

Although there is no definitive completion date, experts estimate that the Sagrada Familia could be finished between 2035 and 2036. However, if you are planning a trip to Barcelona, you can already see a highly advanced stage of this architectural wonder.

There are different ticket options for visiting the Sagrada Familia depending on your preferences and budget:

• Sagrada Familia ticket: General admission with downloadable audio guide.
• Guided tour ticket: Ideal for understanding the meaning of the work with an expert guide.
• Ticket with tower access: Includes an audio guide and access to one of the towers with views over Barcelona.
• Guided tour with tower access: The most complete experience, combining expert guidance and access to a tower.

Discounts available:

• Students, under 30s and retirees
• Children under 11: free
• People with disabilities and one companion: free

Although entry to the Sagrada Familia is usually paid, there are ways to visit it for free.

One option is attending the international mass held every Sunday at 9:00 am. To secure entry, it is recommended to arrive early, around 8:00 am. There is also a mass on Saturdays at 8:00 pm.

In addition, the Sagrada Familia organises open days on specific dates. These usually coincide with local holidays or special events such as Gaudí Year. Keep an eye on the official website and social media to find out about these special days and take part in ticket giveaways.

Getting to the Sagrada Familia is easy thanks to public transport:

• Metro: lines L2 and L5 (Sagrada Familia station)
• Bus: lines 19, 33, 34, D50, H10 and B24

Sagrada Familia opening hours

Opening times vary depending on the time of year:

• November – February: Monday to Saturday 9:00–18:00. Sundays 10:30–18:00.
• March and October: Monday to Friday 9:00–19:00. Saturdays 9:00–18:00. Sundays 10:30–19:00.
• April – September: Monday to Friday 9:00–20:00. Saturdays 9:00–18:00. Sundays 10:30–20:00.
• Special hours: on 25 and 26 December and 1 and 6 January, opening is 9:00–14:00.

We recommend buying tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly, and avoiding peak times (early morning or late afternoon is best). You should also allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit and dress respectfully, as it is a place of worship.

The Sagrada Familia attracts thousands of visitors every day, so it is important to plan your visit well for a smooth experience.

If you are looking for comfort in central Barcelona and close to the Sagrada Familia, an excellent option is the Gran Hotel Havana, just 10 minutes by metro and 25 minutes on foot from the Sagrada Familia. A well-located hotel that allows you to easily reach the city’s main tourist attractions and enjoy a more comfortable stay in Barcelona.

La Sagrada Familia es una obra que recibe miles de visitantes cada día, así que es importante planificar bien la visita para una experiencia correcta sin complicaciones.

Si buscas confort en el centro de Barcelona y cerca de la Sagrada Família, una excelente opción Gran Hotel Havana, a solo 10 minutos en metro y 25 minutos a pie de la Sagrada Familia. Un alojamiento bien ubicado que te permitirá moverte con facilidad a los principales puntos turísticos de la ciudad y disfrutar de tu estancia en Barcelona con mayor comodidad.