There are many things you might want to do on your next trip to Spain. Something not to be missed is a visit to the Sagrada Familia Basilica.

Whether you are religious or not, it is an architectural masterpiece and famous landmark in the heart of Barcelona, ​​visited by about 5 million tourists every year.

But don’t let the prospect of long queues put you off! If you weren’t convinced before, here’s why you should visit the Sagrada Familia on your next holiday in Spain.

See also: The best tourist attractions in Barcelona

The history of the Sagrada Familia

While Gaudi is the most famous name behind the Sagrada Familia towers, nine architects have taken on the project since his death, and it remains incomplete to this day.

In case you didn’t know, Gaudí was a staunch Catholic, and he was obsessed with both nature and religion. His plans for the towers of the Sagrada Familia included depicting the entirety of Catholic history. This project would become his greatest legacy.

Despite the change of ownership, all the architects involved have remained true to Gaudi’s original plans from 1883. The original completion date was set for 2026. However, this has been delayed due to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic – there is no new end date in sight.

Currently, all ticket sales fund the completion of the project – churches or the government do not support it. So when you visit the Sagrada Familia, you are funding the completion of Gaudi’s famous landmark.

Private donations are also accepted to continue building the towers of the Sagrada Familia. When finally completed it will be the tallest church in the world.

Another fantastic Sagrada Familia tip is that Gaudi was buried there in 1926 in the Chapel of the Virgin El Carmen. While incomplete, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site – another amazing fact to tick off your bucket list!

Is it worth visiting the towers of the Sagrada Familia?

If you’re wondering whether visiting the towers of the Sagrada Familia is worth it on your next trip, the answer is a resounding yes!

The basilica of the Sagrada Familia was built in 1882. A monumental church with ties to the Holy Family, it was commissioned by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. consecrated.

What is even more amazing about the Sagrada Familia is the stunning architecture by Antoni Gaudi, one of the most famous architects in the world. He pioneered a new era of architecture called Catalan Modernism, characterized by free-flowing curves and organic forms.

You can find nine completed towers, 18 of which are of the original design, with plans for further completion in the years to come.

See also: Things to do in Barcelona: Our Barcelona activity guide

Tips for visiting the Sagrada Familia

As this monument is one of the most popular in Spain and it is located in the heart of the city of Barcelona, ​​expect extremely long queues. The best time to visit the Sagrada Familia is as early as possible in the morning.

The Sagrada Familia opens at 9am when the queues are shortest. The time between 9am and 11am is generally less crowded.

However, you may want to venture inside the monument later in the day for the best photo opportunities. The best time to visit the Sagrada Familia is between 5pm and 6pm when the sun goes down.

The sunlight shines through the colorful stained glass at this hour, creating dreamy sights and images. It is also possible to attend the evening service at 6 p.m. free of charge. Visitors must dress and behave appropriately here.

Some other things to consider are:

• visit duration. Most tourists want to know how long they need to visit the Sagrada Familia towers to get the most out of their trip. The recommended time is around 2 hours, but you can stay as long as you like.

• The price. Tickets for the Sagrada Familia cost between €33 and up to €99 8-hour guided tour this includes Montserrat.

• The best time to visit the Sagrada Familia. The Sagrada Familia is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The opening hours of the Sagrada Familia for the fair are 18:00.

• Different types of tickets. You need one special card to visit the towers of the Sagrada Familia which includes access to the tower; this is not granted with a basic ticket.

• ticket availability. Be sure to get your tickets in advance as tickets can sometimes sell out by 5pm. It’s also an option Buy online tickets to streamline the process. Check availability and book your tickets below:

• additional packages. You may find higher Sagrada Familia ticket costs for inclusive packages such as: B. a Sagrada Familia and Park Guell Combo Tour.

• Guided tours for foreign visitors. There are several guided group tours in different languages. When visiting the Sagrada Familia, the options currently available are English, German, Italian, French and of course Spanish.

• Can I get a Sagrada Familia audio guide for free? You can find free audio guides online, but they don’t quite compare to guided tours.

• Plan your arrival. You can find public transport to get you to the Sagrada Familia – the L2 or L5 via the metro or one of the many dedicated buses including the 19, 33 and 34.

• What to wear. Remember that when you visit the Sagrada Familia, it is a sacred place of worship. Visitors are required to dress appropriately, meaning that tops should cover their shoulders and shorts/skirts should be mid-thigh. Hats are not allowed in the Sagrada Familia.

• Navigating the Sagrada Familia. You should download the official app to manage tickets, find audiobooks and more. The app costs €26 on the official website. However, it is also possible to visit the website without downloading the app.

summary

We hope that we have answered the question “is it worth visiting the towers of the Sagrada Familia?”. The answer is yes – it’s great to visit all year round!

You should add the Sagrada Familia to your itinerary next time you travel to Barcelona.

Don’t miss your chance to visit the Sagrada Familia and its tremendous cultural and historical importance. Whether you’re planning how long to visit the Sagrada Familia or want to find out the cost price of the Sagrada Familia ticket, we hope our Sagrada Familia tips have made your planning a lot easier!

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