Sagrada Família

Sagrada Família is a large Roman Catholic basilica in Barcelona designed principally by Antoni Gaudí; construction began in 1882 and Gaudí assumed control in 1883. It remains under construction with a plan that includes 18 towers, the tallest central tower planned to reach about 172.5 meters.

Prominent visitor highlights include the richly decorated Nativity Façade, the starkly expressive Passion Façade, the luminous interior with branching columns and stained glass, and visitor-accessible towers that offer city views. The building blends Gothic and Art Nouveau forms with Gaudí’s distinctive organic geometry.

Gaudí devoted the last decades of his life to the project; after his death in 1926 construction continued with interruptions, notably during the Spanish Civil War, and with modern engineering methods and funding models. The site functions as an active church and a major tourist attraction.

Situated in the Eixample district of Barcelona, the basilica is centrally located within the city and is served by several public transport links.

• Tickets and towers: Tickets are timed-entry and should be purchased in advance; tower access requires a separate ticket and has age and mobility restrictions.
• Construction history: Construction began in 1882 and continued under Antoni Gaudí from 1883 until his death in 1926; work has progressed intermittently since, funded by donations and ticket revenue.

What to See #

• Nativity Façade: The Nativity Façade on the east side was mostly completed under Gaudí and features elaborate sculptural decoration celebrating the birth of Jesus.
• Passion Façade: The Passion Façade on the west is more austere and angular, representing the suffering and death of Christ; it was completed by later architects following Gaudí's designs.
• Interior and nave towers: The interior is noted for its forest-like columns, complex vaulting and expansive stained glass windows that fill the nave with colored light.