Most visited monument throughout Spain - La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia Basilica by Antoni Gaudi

Planning your trip to Barcelona? When you visit this Spanish city, you will see a number of works designed by the famous architect, Antoni Gaudi. It is a giant basilica that has been under construction since 1882. Today, the construction of this church continues and is expected to be completed around 2030.  When the project is completed, it will be the world’s tallest temple. Sagrada Familia is considered the most visited monument throughout Spain and it has become Barcelona’s most important landmark. Before you set off to this remarkable landmark in Barcelona, let us share with you some interesting information about Sagrada Familia!

1.    Temple: 

The exact name of the church is the Temple La Sagrada Familia. Temple refers to the fact that it was built completely by donations.

2.     Colour and style: 

When you visit the building, you will notice the contrast in the stone colour between the front and back part of building. Also, the actual style of construction appears somewhat different between the new and old parts of the building. 

 3.     Towers: 

Whilst it is well known that the basilica is still under construction according to Gaudi’s last full detailed plans of the building, there will eventually be 18 towers. Eight have been constructed so far and the rest of it is expected to be completed by 2030. Upon completion of the church, among the 18 towers: one for each of the 12 apostles, one for each of the 4 evangelists, one representing the Virgin Mary and the highest tower in honour of Jesus Christ. 

4.     Straight Lines:  

They are not straight lines or angles in the Sagrada Familia. Gaudi was inspired by the curves and flow of nature.

5.     Trees and tortoises: 

In the Sagrada Familia the pillars are consistently changing as they reach towards to the ceiling. They start as squares and change into octagons and so on until they become circular in shape. The columns supporting the inside of the church are thought to act like trees. At the base, you have a simple pillar, but the pillar eventually starts to branch off multiple times in a mathematical progression. Along with Gaudi’s naturalistic take on the pillars, animals hold two pillars up; one by a turtle and the other by a tortoise-one representing earth and the other represents the sea. 

6.     Windows: 

The windows are covered with beautiful stained glass windows and columns are lining the best imported stones. 

7.     The Crypt: 

Under the apse is the crypt, a small circular church which allows gatherings and prayers. It houses the tomb of Antoni Gaudi. Do not miss it! It is lovely!

PRACTICAL INFO:

Address : Carrer de Mallorca 401

Transport : Metro- Sagrada Familia Station (line 2)

Phone: +34 93 207 30 31

Price:
Adult €13 (+€4 Guide or audioguide)
Students and Pensioners: €11 (+€4 Guided or audioguide)
Kids up to 10 years: FREE
Lift Charge: €3

Time needed: easily around 2 hours

Operation hours: 9am-6pm (Oct-March)    9am-8pm (April-September)

Information: Bad weather elevator to upper level is closed.

TIP: The Sagrada Familia is not only famous for being Barcelona’s no.1 tourist attraction it’s also famous for its entrance queues. Up to 2 hours or more is not uncommon. Bear in mind you could be queuing for hours under the hot Spanish sun making this a particularly unpleasant experience. Make sure to bring plenty of fluids and sunscreen! It’s recommended to purchase the audio guide or take the guided group visit; you will enjoy best by discovering a number of details that otherwise you will miss. Lastly, you may download the official app for La Sagrada Familia for free at the AppStore.

Now that you know about the Sagrada Familia, plan a trip to visit this magnificent basilica and other attractive places that the city has got to offer. The feeling of awe you get as soon as you see this cathedral close-up is unexplainable. A truly beautiful man-made wonder and one of Gaudi’s finest creations. No trip to Barcelona is complete without a visit to the Sagrada Familia! Leave your comments here on the Backpack 2 Barcelona travel blog!