Sagrada Familia is a large and unfinished Roman Catholic church located in Barcelona, Spain. It was designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, who started working on the project in 1882 and continued to work on it until his death in 1926. The construction of the church has been ongoing for over 130 years and is still ongoing today.
The church is renowned for its unique and elaborate design, which combines elements of Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture. It features three facades, each depicting a different stage in the life of Jesus Christ: the Nativity Facade, the Passion Facade, and the Glory Facade. The Nativity Facade is the most complete and was built during Gaudi's lifetime, while the other two facades were built after his death based on his designs.
The interior of Sagrada Familia is just as impressive as its exterior. The columns inside the church are designed to resemble trees, and the vaulted ceiling is designed to resemble the branches and leaves of a forest. The stained glass windows allow natural light to filter into the church, creating a beautiful and ethereal atmosphere.
Although the construction of Sagrada Familia has been ongoing for more than a century, it is expected to be completed in 2026 to coincide with the centennial of Gaudi's death. The completion of the church will mark a significant moment in the history of architecture and will solidify Sagrada Familia's place as one of the most unique and impressive buildings in the world.
Access
Sagrada Familia is located in the Eixample district of Barcelona, and it is accessible by various modes of transportation.
The easiest way to access Sagrada Familia is by metro. The church is located near two metro stations: Sagrada Familia (L2 and L5 lines) and Verdaguer (L4 and L5 lines). From either station, it is only a short walk to the church.
You can also take the bus to Sagrada Familia. Several buses stop near the church, including the 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50, 51, B20, and B24.
If you prefer to walk, Sagrada Familia is about a 30-minute walk from the city center. It is a pleasant walk, as you will pass through the historic Eixample district and see many other modernist buildings designed by Gaudi and his contemporaries.
To access the interior of Sagrada Familia, you must purchase a ticket. It is recommended that you purchase your ticket online in advance to avoid long queues. There are several types of tickets available, including general admission, guided tours, and audio guides. The ticket also includes access to the towers, which offer stunning views of the city. However, please note that access to the towers is not recommended for people with mobility issues or vertigo.