Sagrada Familia Travel Guide
The moment we stepped off the Hop-on Hop-off bus near the Sagrada Familia and caught our first proper glimpse of it, we were speechless. It’s not just the size - it’s the sense that this place is alive, still growing, still being shaped. Whether you’re visiting for the architecture, the faith, or simply the wonder of it all, here’s what you need to know before you go.
When will Sagrada Familia be finished?
One of the first things people ask about the Sagrada Familia is, “When will it finally be done?” And it’s a fair question. This incredible basilica in the heart of Barcelona has been under construction since 1882. That’s well over 140 years! The original architect, Francisco de Paula del Villar, resigned a year after the work began. Antoni Gaudí took over in 1883 and completely transformed the vision for the building, making it the extraordinary mix of art, nature, and faith we see today.
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Sadly, Gaudí died in 1926 with only a small part of his design completed. The Spanish Civil War in the 1930s caused further delays, including the loss of some original plans and models. Over the decades, various architects have continued the work, staying true to Gaudí’s vision while also using modern technology. The current target for completion is 2026, which will mark 100 years since Gaudí’s death. However, some sources now suggest it may take longer - possibly into the 2030s or even 2040s.
When we visited, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. Not just at the beauty and scale of the place, but at the thought of being a small part of its long, unfolding story. Millions have come before us, and millions more will follow. But for a brief moment, we were part of the living history of a building that’s still becoming what it was always meant to be.
How much are Sagrada Familia tickets?
If you're planning a visit to the Sagrada Familia, I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance. Not only can it save you from long queues, but tickets do sell out quickly - especially in peak season. There are several ticket types depending on how much time you have and what you want to see.
The basic entry ticket gives you access to the basilica and costs around €26 for adults. If you want to go up one of the towers (which I’d suggest if you’re not afraid of heights), the price goes up to about €36. There are also guided tour options that cost slightly more - roughly €30 to €40 - but they offer a deeper insight into the design, history, and symbolism of the building. Audio guide versions are also available if you prefer to explore at your own pace. Students, seniors, and children often get discounted rates, so it’s worth checking when you book.
A couple of practical tips from our experience: book your slot early and aim to arrive at least 15–20 minutes before your entry time. The entrances are clearly marked but spread out, so you’ll want to give yourself enough time to find the right one.
Can you visit Sagrada Familia without tickets?
While the inside of the Sagrada Familia requires a paid ticket, there’s still plenty you can enjoy without spending any money. The exterior of the basilica is absolutely stunning and completely free to admire. You can walk all the way around it and take in the intricate details of the Nativity and Passion façades. In many ways, the outside is just as fascinating as the interior - each sculpture and carving tells a story, and you’ll often spot new details the longer you look.
For those hoping to step inside without a ticket, there are a couple of possibilities. On some Sunday mornings, the Sagrada Familia holds mass inside the basilica. These are open to the public and free to attend, though seats are limited and it’s first come, first served. It’s a beautiful way to experience the space in a more spiritual and reflective setting. Occasionally, there are also free ticket draws or community events - usually shared on the official website or social media - but these are quite rare and not something to rely on if you’re planning your trip.
Even if you don’t manage to go inside, it’s still worth stopping by. The scale, the craftsmanship, and the story behind it make standing outside the basilica a special experience in itself.
How to tour Sagrada Familia?
The Sagrada Familia is open to visitors almost every day of the year, usually from around 9am to 6pm, with slightly extended hours in summer. Early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays are the best times to visit if you want to avoid the biggest crowds. You can explore on your own with a basic entry ticket, but I’d highly recommend either an audio guide or a guided tour if you want to truly appreciate what you're seeing. There’s so much symbolism, history, and thought behind every detail - much of which you might miss without a bit of explanation.
If you're planning to go up one of the towers, you’ll need to book a ticket that includes access. A lift takes you up, but you’ll need to walk down via a narrow spiral staircase - so it's worth considering if you’re claustrophobic or have mobility issues. The basilica itself is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and lifts available throughout most areas. Also, do keep in mind that this is a place of worship. Modest dress is appreciated, especially if you're visiting the space during mass. Shoulders should be covered and hats removed once inside.
My best piece of advice? Don’t just look through your camera. It’s tempting to snap away at every angle (and fair enough - it's beautiful), but take time to pause. Look up, listen to the echoes, feel the changing light through the stained glass.
The Sagrada Familia is not just something to see - it’s something to experience with all your senses.
How tall is Sagrada Familia?
The Sagrada Familia is set to become the tallest church in the world once completed, standing at an incredible 172.5 metres. Antoni Gaudí deliberately designed it to be just slightly shorter than Montjuïc Hill in Barcelona, out of respect for nature, which he believed should never be surpassed by human creation. Even in its unfinished state, the basilica dominates the skyline and can be spotted from various parts of the city - especially striking at sunrise or sunset when the light hits the stone just right.
One of the most fascinating things about the Sagrada Familia is its towers. When finished, there will be 18 in total - each one rich in meaning. Twelve of them represent the apostles, four symbolise the evangelists, one honours the Virgin Mary, and the tallest, yet to be completed, is dedicated to Jesus Christ. Some of the towers are already open to visitors, and if you’re comfortable with heights, the views over Barcelona from the top are unforgettable. But even from below, the way the towers stretch skyward is both awe-inspiring and humbling - Gaudí’s vision was as much about spiritual elevation as architectural ambition.
Who designed Sagrada Familia?
The Sagrada Familia was first started by architect Francisco de Paula del Villar in 1882, but after just a year, he stepped away from the project. That’s when a young Antoni Gaudí took over - and everything changed. Gaudí brought a completely new vision to the basilica, combining Gothic elements with flowing, organic shapes inspired by nature. He believed that nature was God’s perfect creation and wanted every curve, angle, and detail of the building to reflect that harmony.
Gaudí dedicated over 40 years of his life to the Sagrada Familia, and the last 15 years entirely to it. Although he died in 1926 with only a small portion of it built, his influence is everywhere - from the tree-like columns inside to the twisting towers. He is also behind several of Barcelona’s other iconic landmarks, including Casa Batlló, Park Güell, and Casa Milà (La Pedrera) - all known for their colourful tiles, unusual shapes, and dreamlike quality. Today, a team of architects continues his work, using digital models and Gaudí’s remaining sketches to stay true to his original vision
What is the symbolism behind the Sagrada Familia?
Gaudí didn’t just design a church - he created a story carved in stone. Nearly every part of the Sagrada Familia carries meaning. The three grand façades each tell a chapter from the life of Jesus: the Nativity façade (the only one Gaudí saw completed, pictured below) is joyful and full of natural detail.
The Passion façade (pictured below) is stark and dramatic, capturing the suffering of Christ; and the Glory façade, still under construction, will represent resurrection and eternal life.
Inside, the symbolism continues. The soaring columns are shaped like trees, creating a forest-like canopy that draws your eyes upwards, as if towards heaven. Light pours in through vibrant stained glass windows, shifting in colour and mood throughout the day. You’ll spot turtles, doves, fruits, and even a numerical magic square - all chosen carefully to represent balance, peace, and the divine in everyday life. It’s a space that invites reflection, not just observation.
Final thoughts
Visiting the Sagrada Familia was one of the highlights of our trip to Barcelona. It’s more than a building - it’s a living masterpiece, still growing, still telling its story. Whether you’re admiring it from the park, standing beneath its forest of columns, or listening to the gentle echoes inside, it leaves a lasting impression. If you’re planning a visit, you might also want to check out top things to see and do in Barcelona, experience the beautiful Palau de la Música Catalana, or pick up something special from our favourite Barcelona souvenirs to take a bit of the magic home with you.
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