Sagrada Família

History of the Sagrada Família

The story of the Sagrada Família begins with the devotion and philanthropy of a single man. Barcelona, in the midst of the Industrial Revolution, was experiencing unprecedented economic growth. Josep María Bocabella y Verdaguer, a printer and bookseller, was devoted to Saint Joseph. With the idea of promoting the values of the Christian family, he conceived in 1866 the idea of building a Catholic church dedicated to the Holy Family: the Sagrada Família.

He founded the Association of Devotees of Saint Joseph, which would eventually count up to 600,000 members, as well as the magazine *El propagador de la devoción a San José*. Thanks to the donations collected and the sale of this magazine, in 1881 he was able to purchase, for 172,000 pesetas of the time (around €1,000), the land on which the church would be built.

*Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família* means "Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family," because the construction of this building is financed solely through alms. As for the Holy Family, in the Catholic religion it refers to the unity formed by Jesus, Mary, and Joseph — who are depicted in sculpture on the Nativity façade.

Pinnacles of the towers of the Passion façade of the Sagrada Familia

Antoni Gaudí and his visionary genius

The project began in 1882 under the direction of architect Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano, with the first stone laid on March 19. However, this Neo-Gothic church project failed to inspire. Del Villar resigned. A young 31-year-old architect was then appointed: Antoni Gaudí i Cornet.

Gifted with an extraordinary imagination, Gaudí proposed a radically new vision: a naturalist-modernist temple, inspired by nature and deeply rooted in Christian symbolism. Five naves, three façades, eighteen towers. He envisioned a monumental ensemble where each tower, each façade, each element carries meaning.

Gaudí would dedicate more than 40 years of his life to this work, with the last 15 years devoted exclusively to its construction. He even lived on the construction site. He died tragically in 1926, struck by a tram. Mistaken for a beggar because of his modest clothing, he was rescued late and died three days later. He now rests in the crypt of the Sagrada Família, alongside Josep María Bocabella.

A construction through the centuries

19th century: the beginnings

Construction began in 1882. Barely a year later, Gaudí took over and completely transformed the project. From then on, the Sagrada Família became a laboratory of forms, techniques, and spirituality. Gaudí laid the foundations for a one-of-a-kind architecture, guided by deep faith and boundless admiration for nature.

20th century: wars, slowdowns and continuity

After Gaudí's death, construction continued slowly. During the Spanish Civil War, in 1936, Gaudí's workshop was set on fire. Models were destroyed, plans burned. But thanks to surviving documents and earlier publications, architects were able to resume the work.

Several architects succeeded one another: Francesc de Paula Quintana, then Isidre Puig i Boada, Lluís Bonet i Garí, Francesc Cardoner, Jordi Bonet i Armengol… In 2010, the basilica was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI.

21st century: toward the completion of the work

Modern technologies have enabled unprecedented acceleration of the construction. In 2021, the Tower of the Virgin Mary was inaugurated with its luminous star. In 2023, the towers of Saint Matthew and Saint John were completed. The completion of the works is planned for 2026, a symbolic date marking the centenary of Gaudí's death.

The interior of the Sagrada Família is mainly visited for its stained glass windows, the apse, the altar, the crypt, and the museum. But above all, one must let themselves be immersed in the place.

Like the exterior, the interior of the Sagrada Família is striking in its scale and dazzling in its religious, naturalistic, and purely poetic power. A divine atmosphere seems to envelop every visitor. It's hard not to be captivated by the mystical aura envisioned by Gaudí. A place of worship, but above all a modernist masterpiece that leaves no one untouched.

Inside the Sagrada Família

A Church for Eternity. Nature as a Source of Inspiration

To create a new form of religious architecture — naturalist and modernist — Gaudí drew upon his deep religious and liturgical knowledge. This church was to be a hymn to God. Every stone had to represent a verse in His praise. According to his vision, the interior of the Sagrada Família evokes both the adoration of the Universal Church and the veneration of the Heavenly Jerusalem — a bold ambition, as for Christians this is the place where God’s sons and daughters will live for eternity.

His second source of inspiration was nature. It is present everywhere in his uniquely personal style. Everything is organic, everything copied from his observations. There are no straight lines in nature — everything is structured from curves. You do not enter a church, you enter a forest filled with surprising light! Visiting the interior of the Sagrada Família is the most incredible dreamlike experience.

> An experience to enjoy all year round by purchasing your Sagrada Família tickets on the main page of this guide.

The Stained Glass Windows of the Sagrada Família

"Glory is light. Light brings joy. Joy is the delight of the spirit," said Gaudí, who would have been amazed by the work of Catalan painter Joan Vila-Gra, responsible for the stained glass windows of the Sagrada Família. He is notably behind the Resurrection window. For the visitor, it is overwhelming — a true symphony of color and light.

Stained glass windows of the Sagrada Familia

A sense of celestial harmony. The same visitor will also notice seven rays descending from the upper part of the apse — they symbolize the Holy Spirit. Between dreamlike vision and symbolism, light is an essential element in Gaudí’s religious imagery. Its most masterful expression is undoubtedly found in this basilica more than in any of Gaudí’s other creations.

The Apse of the Sagrada Família

The apse of the Sagrada Família is a key part of the basilica’s architecture, embodying both Gaudí’s spiritual vision and his architectural genius. Located at the eastern end of the building, the apse is a sacred space where the choir is placed for liturgical celebrations.

Design and Symbolism
The design of the apse reflects Gaudí’s attention to detail and symbolic depth. It is surrounded by seven radial chapels, representing the seven sorrows and the seven joys of the Virgin Mary — a recurring theme in Gaudí’s work. Each chapel is adorned with stained glass windows that filter light to create a serene and mystical atmosphere, reinforcing the sacred character of the space.

Role in the Overall Architecture
The apse plays a central role in the architectural structure of the Sagrada Família. It serves as a link between the different parts of the church, connecting the main nave with the various chapels and façades. Gaudí designed the apse with slanted columns that mimic the branches of a tree, organically supporting the vault and recalling nature — a major source of inspiration for the architect.

The Main Altar of the Sagrada Família

The neo-Gothic apse houses the altar. It was built above the crypt between 1890 and 1893, in line with the intentions of Villar, the first architect of the basilica. The main altar, placed two meters above the general floor level, is surrounded by the seven chapels of the apse, dedicated to the Seven Sorrows and Joys of Saint Joseph.

Sagrada Familia altar and Christ

 

Holy Family and Christ

Even though the altar itself appears austere, with a simple crucifix as its only ornament, the impression left by this most symbolic place in the basilica is breathtaking — thanks to the large baldachin suspended twelve meters above. Numerous statues decorate the apse: Saint Anthony, Benedict of Nursia, Saint Bruno the Carthusian, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Clare, and Saint Eligius — founding saints of various religious orders. Nature is ever-present, with a crown of thorns forming the initials of Jesus, wheat symbolizing the Eucharist, and animals: salamanders, snakes, chameleons, snails, lizards, frogs...

The Crypt of the Sagrada Família

The crypt is a chapel where Masses are regularly celebrated. It lies beneath the apse and is accessed by a staircase. This large underground space is topped by a vaulted ceiling on which one can observe a sculpted and painted representation of the Annunciation of Mary. Its main altar, adorned with a retable depicting the Holy Family, was created by sculptor Josep Llimona. It is surrounded by four chapels dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel (where Gaudí is buried), to Jesus Christ, to the Virgin of Montserrat, and to the Crucified Christ (where the tomb of Josep María Bocabella, initiator of the Sagrada Família, is located). The floor of the crypt is decorated with a Roman mosaic representing ears of wheat and vines.

The Sagrada Família Museum

Finally, a visit to the Sagrada Família Museum is a must to understand Gaudí’s creative process, his construction techniques, and the history of the temple since its beginning. Visitors will discover: plans, drafts, models, and photographs that explain the story and creation of the basilica — from its conception to its future completion.

Still located inside the Sagrada Família, the museum adjoins the crypt. It was in this very space that Gaudí worked during the final years of his life.

Antoni Gaudí's studio, now the Sagrada Familia Museum

This workshop was burned down in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War. Many of Gaudí’s drawings and plaster models were destroyed, to the point of threatening the continuation of construction. Today, in a space of more than 120m², the museum still displays remarkable elements that help understand his work.

Audiovisual installations about Gaudí’s life and work, a model of the central nave’s windows, sketches, drawings, and models by Josep Maria Subirachs, sculptures from the Nativity Façade, and an impressive poly-funicular model of the Church of the Colònia Güell. This four-meter-tall inverted model shows, with strings and weights, how Gaudí calculated the load and curvature of the vaults in his constructions.

The famous inverted model of the Sagrada Familia

Three façades, eighteen towers. From the beginning of his work, Gaudí gave the Sagrada Família dimensions that were extraordinary for his time. He knew he would not live to see it completed. By leaving instructions for his successors, he intended that each generation of architects would bring their own style to the structure.

Since his death, each part of the basilica has been built separately, one after the other, to reflect new architectural styles as time progresses. Multiple generations of architects have carried on the project — not without controversy, and with many surprises for visitors.

Sagrada Família Nativity Façade

To gain public approval for his monumental project, Gaudí decided to begin with the Nativity Façade of the Sagrada Família. Richly decorated and ornate — the opposite of the more austere Passion Façade — he knew it would immediately appeal to his contemporaries. This façade, which today faces Marina Street, was well received for both its style and its message.

Constructed between 1894 and 1932, it features three grand portals representing Hope, Charity, and Faith.

Façade of the Nativity

A cypress tree, in the center between the four towers, symbolizes the tree of life. A cross represents God the Father. Christ and the Holy Spirit are also present.

The message recounts the human side of Jesus' life and his family.

The sculptures on the three doors — the Door of Hope, the Door of Faith, and the Door of Charity — depict, for example, the betrothal of Mary and Joseph, young Jesus working in his father’s carpentry shop, and the Annunciation.

The style evokes nature, life, and creation. It is exuberant and rich in symbols: the tree of life, doves, a pelican (Eucharist), a turtle (longevity).

Sagrada Família Passion Façade

According to Gaudí's vision, the Passion Façade of the Sagrada Família contrasts stylistically with the Nativity Façade. Its angular and extremely stripped-down ornamentation evokes the suffering and death of Christ. Gaudí made only one drawing of this façade. Its realization remains perfectly aligned with his original idea. Many controversies arose due to the sharp-edged sculptures by Josep Maria Subirachs, installed in 1990 — some debates nearly derailed the work entirely. Six leaning columns form a large portico with five arches, housing angular sculptures that exude harshness and sorrow. The goal is to portray the cruelty of the 14 Stations of the Passion of Christ.

Sagrada Familia Passion façade

The Passion Façade is divided into three levels. The first depicts the Last Supper, Judas’s betrayal, the Flagellation of Christ, and Peter’s denial.

The second focuses on Jesus speaking with the women of Jerusalem.

The third shows soldiers playing, the Crucifixion, the Descent from the Cross, the Lamentation, and the Resurrection. This façade faces west, symbolizing the setting sun — when light becomes shadow and darkness before regenerating again.

Sagrada Família Glory Façade

The Glory Façade is the most recent of the three façades of the Sagrada Família basilica. Work began in 2002, and it will serve as the main entrance, leading directly to the nave. It is dedicated to the celestial Glory of Jesus, symbolizing the journey toward God: Death, Final Judgment, and Glory. Gaudí left this façade to future generations, as was the tradition with the construction of other great cathedrals. He envisioned a monumental staircase, a crater with fire, and a 20-meter-high jet of water split into four cascades representing both the rivers of Eden and the fountains of the Apocalypse. It is now known that seven great columns will be dedicated to:

• The Seven Gifts: piety, strength, understanding, wisdom, counsel, knowledge, fear of God.
• The Seven Sins: greed, sloth, wrath, envy, gluttony, pride, lust.
• And the Seven Virtues: generosity, diligence, patience, charity, temperance, humility, chastity.

March 2025 > The Sagrada Familia construction committee has shortlisted artists Javier Marín, Miquel Barceló and Cristina Iglesias to propose designs for the artistic design of the Glory façade, the last major part of the basilica to be completed. 

The two monumental doors on the Glory façade of the Sagrada Família

 

Façade of the Holy Family Gallery

In 2008, two monumental doors sculpted by Subirachs were installed on the Glory Façade. Construction continues.

The Towers of the Sagrada Família

The towers of the Sagrada Família are among the most iconic elements of its architecture. When completed, the basilica will feature 18 towers. Each has symbolic meaning, representing key figures in Christianity.

> 12 towers represent the Apostles, surrounding the basilica’s three main façades (Nativity, Passion, and Glory). These towers are dedicated to each apostle and symbolize the foundation of the Church.

> 4 additional towers are dedicated to the Evangelists (135 meters tall) — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — each topped with their traditional symbol (the angel, the lion, the ox, and the eagle).

> The Virgin Mary’s Tower (127.5 meters tall and topped with the Morning Star) is slightly shorter than the central tower and is dedicated to Jesus’s mother.

> The central tower, the tallest, will represent Jesus Christ. Once completed, it will reach 172.5 meters, making the Sagrada Família one of the tallest religious buildings in the world.

Thirteen elevators will take visitors up the towers. The highest one will lead to the Jesus Tower.

Symbolism of the Towers

These towers are designed to draw the eye toward the heavens, reflecting Gaudí’s intention to make the Sagrada Família a bridge between earth and the divine. Together, they express celestial order, spiritual hierarchy, and the elevation of the soul toward God. Gaudí aimed to create a true “stone Bible” readable by all.

Their layout and symbolism evoke celestial hierarchy, with God at the center, surrounded by the figures who transmitted His word: the Evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and the Apostles. This vertical hierarchy serves as a metaphor for the soul’s ascension: the higher you go, the closer you come to the divine light.

The Nativity Tower

The Nativity Tower is one of the two towers accessible to visitors at the Sagrada Família and offers a unique experience. Dedicated to the birth of Jesus, this tower is rich in symbolic details and ornaments, reflecting the joy and hope associated with this event.

Representation

The Nativity Tower is part of the Nativity Façade, the only façade constructed under Gaudí’s direct supervision. It is adorned with detailed scenes depicting Christ’s birth, along with numerous natural elements like animals, plants, and angelic figures, symbolizing life and creation.

Visitor Experience
When visiting the Nativity Tower, visitors take an elevator to the top, followed by a descent through a spiral staircase. Along the way, you can admire up close the intricate sculptures and architectural details that make this tower so special.

Panoramic View
Once at the top, the view of Barcelona is spectacular. You can see the Eixample district, the Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding mountains. The view from the Nativity Tower offers a unique perspective of the city, framed by the artistic and spiritual elements of the basilica itself.

The Passion Tower

The Passion Tower is the other tower of the Sagrada Família open to visitors, offering a profoundly different experience from that of the Nativity Tower. Dedicated to the suffering and death of Jesus, this tower is part of the Passion Façade, characterized by a more austere and dramatic style.

Representation
The Passion Tower is integrated into the Passion Façade, which strongly contrasts with the Nativity Façade. Designed to represent the pain and sacrifice of Christ, this façade is bare, with angular and somber sculptures created by Josep Maria Subirachs. It tells the story of Jesus' final days, from the Last Supper to the Crucifixion, with strong symbolism and minimalist architecture.

Visitor Experience
Visitors to the Passion Tower also take an elevator to the top, with the option to descend by spiral stairs. The ascent provides close-up views of the sculptural details of the façade, as well as the complex architectural elements of this part of the basilica.

Panoramic View
From the top of the Passion Tower, visitors enjoy a breathtaking view of the western side of Barcelona, with perspectives on the Eixample district and beyond. Compared to the Nativity Tower, the view from the Passion Tower is more subdued, reflecting the theme of the façade.

Comparison Between the Nativity and Passion Towers

The Nativity and Passion Towers of the Sagrada Família differ in theme and style.

Differences:

The Nativity Tower celebrates the birth of Jesus with a richly decorated façade and nature-inspired details, symbolizing life and hope. It offers views of the eastern side of Barcelona.
The Passion Tower, dedicated to the death of Christ, features an austere and minimalist style, reflecting suffering and sacrifice. It overlooks the western side of the city.

Similarities:

Both towers are accessible by elevator, followed by a descent via stairs, and embody key moments in the life of Jesus, infused with Gaudí’s spiritual vision.
Each offers a unique perspective on the architecture and symbolism of the Sagrada Família.

The Tower of Mary

The Tower of Mary is the most recent, inaugurated on December 8, 2021, when the Virgin's star that crowns it was installed. This 7.5-meter diameter star now lights up the city of Barcelona with its 12 luminous points.

Sagrada Família - star of the Virgin Mary

The Tower of Jesus

The Tower of Jesus will be connected by four bridges to the towers of the Evangelists. It will be topped with a cross featuring four bell-shaped arms and covered in glazed ceramic and glass — a final tribute to Gaudí, using one of his most iconic cross shapes. It will reach a height of 172.5 meters, just slightly below Montjuïc Hill (185 meters), since Gaudí believed his creation should not surpass God's. The Sagrada Família will still surpass all other cathedrals in the world, including the Ulm Minster in Germany, which stands at 161.5 meters.

Which Sagrada Família Tower Should You Visit?

Which Tower to Visit at the Sagrada Família >> Currently, two towers are open to the public: the Nativity and Passion Towers.

One is part of the Nativity Façade, with tower heights of 98.40 meters on the exterior and 107 meters at the center.

The other belongs to the Passion Façade, where the towers are 107.40 meters high on the exterior and 112.20 meters at the center.

If you choose the Passion Tower, you'll be slightly higher than in the Nativity Tower. However, the view of Barcelona is equally stunning from both — only the orientation differs.

Tips for Choosing Which Tower to Visit

Choosing between the Nativity and Passion Towers depends on your interests and time constraints. Here are some tips to help you decide:

Theme and Atmosphere:

If you're drawn to a joyful and detailed atmosphere with references to life and nature, choose the Nativity Tower. It offers a bright and decorative experience.
For a more austere and introspective experience exploring themes of suffering and sacrifice, the Passion Tower is more fitting.

Panoramic Views:

The Nativity Tower offers views of the eastern side of Barcelona, with panoramas of the sea and hills.
The Passion Tower overlooks the western side, offering a different city perspective.

Time Constraints:

If you're short on time and looking for a quicker ascent with a lighter atmosphere, the Nativity Tower is recommended.
If you have more time and want a visit that encourages reflection, the Passion Tower may be more rewarding.

Accessibility:

Both towers require the use of an elevator and stairs. If you have mobility limitations, keep this in mind when making your choice.

Which Sagrada Família Tower Has the Best View?

All the towers of the Sagrada Família offer stunning views of the basilica and the city. Once at the top, on the walkway connecting the central towers, the view is absolutely breathtaking. Whether from the Nativity or Passion Towers, the impact is equally awe-inspiring.

Close-up of the top of one of the towers.

The history of the Sagrada Família is inseparable from its brilliant creator Antoni Gaudí. Barely 31 years old, the young architect was chosen in 1883 to take over from Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano, whose initial neo-Gothic project lacked ambition, despite the laying of the first stone of the building in 1882.

Antoni Gaudí in 1878

A sign of his extraordinary creativity, Antoni Gaudí i Cornet quickly proposed a project of a completely different scale — radically innovative for the time. The Sagrada Família would become a naturalist-modernist temple, composed of five naves, three façades, and eighteen towers — one of them, the tallest and central one, symbolizing Jesus Christ.

Gaudí’s Architectural Style

Gaudí’s architectural style in the Sagrada Família is characterized by the harmonious integration of nature, with design elements inspired by organic forms such as tree trunk-shaped columns. Gaudí also employed innovative techniques, such as parabolic curves and hyperbolic arches, to create a structure that is both aesthetic and functional. Finally, his masterful use of stained glass and natural light transforms the basilica’s interior into a spiritual and luminous space, reflecting Gaudí’s unique approach to sacred architecture.

Deeply Catholic and devout, this new project would completely change his life. It would be the most complex and unique of all his works — his absolute masterpiece, to which he would devote 43 years of his life.

Sketch of the Sagrada Família façade by Gaudi in 1991

Profound liturgical knowledge as a source of total inspiration

With this project, the church became far larger than initially planned and its symbolism was entirely reimagined. Mystical-religious references, the history and mysteries of the Christian faith, the stages of Christ's life, the heavenly Jerusalem symbolizing peace... From his imagination and deep liturgical knowledge, Gaudí defined a new kind of religious architecture that would be known as naturalist-modernist. A level of symbolic creativity never equaled to this day.

Worldwide Recognition

The parts built during Gaudí’s lifetime — the Nativity Façade, the Saint Barnabas Tower, and part of the exterior wall of the apse — were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

The Sagrada Família Basilica was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI on November 7, 2010.

An extraordinary construction site

The construction of the Sagrada Família is one of the longest and most ambitious architectural projects in modern history. Started in 1882, it continues more than 140 years later, amid obstacles, innovations, and hopes of completion.

Major challenges

The first challenge arose in 1883, when Gaudí transformed the initial project into a visionary work blending nature and spirituality. After his death in 1926, the Spanish Civil War struck: in 1936, the workshop was burned, and plans and models were destroyed. Despite everything, the project survived thanks to saved documents and the architects who followed him.

Steady progress

Despite setbacks, major progress has marked each decade. The Nativity Façade was completed by 1930, the Passion Façade in the 1980s. The 21st century accelerated construction thanks to technology: the Tower of the Virgin Mary (2021), advances on the Glory Façade, and the central tower of Jesus Christ.

Sagrada Família finished in 2026?

The symbolic date of 2026 — the centenary of Gaudí’s death — remains the announced goal. But the Covid-19 pandemic severely slowed the works, with a loss of 81 million euros in 2021 due to the site's closure to visitors. The construction, entirely funded by alms and ticket sales, continues nonetheless, driven by faith... and the generosity of the public.

Until then, your kind heart might make the difference...

What will the tallest tower of the basilica look like once completed?

The Tower of Jesus Christ, 172.5 meters tall. The final element of construction, it will be crowned by a cross with four bell-shaped arms, covered in glazed ceramic and glass. A final tribute to Gaudí using one of his most iconic cross forms.

Video: The Tower of Jesus Christ in 2026 – Animation

The Basilica in Numbers

• Final height (Christ Tower): 172.5 m
• Current height: approximately 138 m
• Total length of the basilica: 120 m
• Width: 60 m
• Total surface area: about 4,500 m²
• Interior capacity of the basilica: 9,000 people
• Thousands of craftsmen, masons, sculptors, and other professionals over 140 years
• Currently, the site employs on average between 100 and 200 people continuously, combining traditional artisanal methods and advanced digital technologies to carry on the master’s vision.

New features to discover

>After the works are completed, the Sagrada Família will reveal its final appearance, faithful to Antoni Gaudí’s vision. Visitors will be able to admire the central Tower of Jesus Christ, which will be the tallest religious tower in the world, rising to 172.5 meters. This tower will be surrounded by the towers of the Evangelists, each crowned with symbols representing the authors of the Gospels.

>The already impressive interior of the basilica will be completed with the final finishes of the vaults and sculptures adorning the remaining spaces, offering an even more immersive and spiritual experience. Visitors will also discover additional exhibition areas, where details of the construction, historical challenges, and Gaudí’s original plans will be presented.

Improvements and accessibility

Among the improvements, the Sagrada Família will benefit from new facilities to enhance visitor hospitality. Optimized pathways will be implemented to ease the flow of tourists inside the basilica, allowing better management of crowds. Additionally, rest areas and green spaces around the basilica will be developed to provide an even more pleasant environment.

Accessibility will also be improved, with enhanced elevators and ramps to allow all visitors, including those with reduced mobility, to fully enjoy their visit.

An enriched experience

With the completion of the works, the Sagrada Família will no longer be just a fascinating construction site, but a completed monument representing the pinnacle of Catalan modernism. Visitors will be able to explore the basilica in all its splendor — from the tops of the towers to the underground crypts — discovering a place where every detail tells the story of faith, architecture, and human ingenuity.

Opening hours of the Sagrada Família

The basilica is open every day of the week from 9am to 6pm.

On December 25 and 26, January 1 and 6, opening hours are 9am to 2pm.

Sagrada Família address

The Sagrada Família is located at Carrer de Mallorca, 401, in the Eixample district. This neighborhood is known for its grid layout and wide avenues, offering a modern urban setting that contrasts with the historic and unique character of the basilica.

Official address: Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Spain

District: Eixample Dreta

Email: [email protected]

Website: Sagrada Família - Barcelona

Phone: +34 932 080 414

Where is the entrance to the Sagrada Família for visitors?

Visitors must go directly to the Nativity Façade side of the basilica, located at Carrer de la Marina, 253.

How to get to the Sagrada Família?

1. Metro

Metro lines L2 and L5, stop at Sagrada Família, right in front of the basilica.
>Use the T-Casual or Hola Barcelona — recommended.

2. Bus

Lines 19, 33, 34, D50, H10, V19, B24
Nearby stops: Sagrada Família, Mallorca - Marina, Sardenya - Rosselló, etc.
>Same ticket as the metro.

3. Other options

• Hop-on Hop-Off : red line stop.
• Taxi: 10–15 min, approx. €10–15.
• Car: Low emissions zone + nearby paid parking (€3–4/h).
• On foot: 25 to 40 min depending on your starting point.

What time is mass at the Sagrada Família?

The Sagrada Família celebrates mass every Sunday morning at 9 a.m. This weekly mass, held in multiple languages, is open to all and free of charge.
As seating is limited, it is recommended to arrive at the entrance of the basilica — Nativity Façade (Carrer de la Marina) — starting at 8:30 a.m., until capacity is reached.

Mass schedule at the Sagrada Família

Regular mass schedule

Masses at the Sagrada Família are mainly held in the Crypt and in the Basilica itself.

• Dates and times: Check the mass calendar for more information on special masses.

International Sunday Mass (in multiple languages):

This is known as the International Mass as the service, which lasts one hour, is conducted in several languages.
Every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. in the Basilica.
This mass is open to all without prior reservation, but access is limited to the church's capacity. It is advised to arrive early to secure a spot.

Daily Sagrada Família Mass in the Crypt:

Monday to Saturday at 9:00 a.m.
Sundays and public holidays at 9:00 a.m.
These masses take place in the Crypt, a smaller and more intimate space, accessible through a separate entrance on the side of the basilica.

Special masses and holidays

Religious holidays: On major religious celebrations such as Christmas, Easter, or the Feast of the Holy Family (the last Sunday of December), additional masses may be scheduled. These masses often attract many worshippers, so it is recommended to check specific schedules in advance on the official website of the Sagrada Família or inquire on site.

Seasonal variations

The regular mass schedule generally remains constant throughout the year, but during special events or seasonal changes, it is advisable to consult parish announcements. In summer, when there is greater attendance, adjustments may be made to better manage the flow of visitors and worshippers.

Access to masses

Mass attendance is free of charge, but it is separate from the tourist visit of the Basilica.

Wedding at the Sagrada Família

The Sagrada Família is not just a tourist attraction: it's also an active place of worship, where religious weddings are becoming increasingly common. In 2024, 52 weddings were celebrated there, a clear increase on 2023, and some 60 ceremonies are already planned for the current year. This trend runs counter to the overall decline in religious weddings in Catalonia. Weddings at the Sagrada Família take place in the crypt, a sacred and intimate space beneath the basilica, and are open to all Catholic couples, local or foreign, who meet the religious requirements laid down by the Church.