Sagrada Familia
The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is the visionary masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi and the most famous building in Barcelona, a vast expiatory church that has been under construction since 1882 and still rises higher each year. Gaudi devoted the last decades of his life to it, blending Gothic verticality with organic, nature-inspired forms into something wholly original; when he died in 1926, struck by a tram, only a fraction was complete, yet his models and intentions have guided the work ever since.
Three monumental facades narrate the Nativity, the Passion and the Glory of Christ, while inside a forest of branching columns supports vaults that filter coloured light through soaring stained glass, evoking a canopy of trees. When finished, its central Tower of Jesus Christ will make it the tallest church in the world. The basilica was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, even as building continued around the altar.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Works of Antoni Gaudi, the Sagrada Familia draws millions of visitors whose admission fees fund its completion. It stands as both an active place of worship and one of the great architectural projects of the modern age, perpetually scaffolded and perpetually astonishing.
- Annual visitors
- ≈ 4,700,000
- Location
- 41.4037, 2.1743
- Local time
- 00:36 (Europe/Madrid)
🕘 Visiting hours
| Mon–Fri | 09:00–20:00 |
| Sat | 09:00–18:00 |
| Sun | 10:30–20:00 |
Peak Apr-Sep schedule; shorter in winter (Nov-Feb closes 18:00). Reduced 09:00-14:00 on Dec 25-26, Jan 1, Jan 6. Online booking required.
✨ Saints & blessed venerated here
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Saint Joseph Saint
The seven apse chapels are dedicated to the Seven Sorrows and Joys of Saint Joseph; central to the Holy Family dedication.
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Saint Barnabas Saint
One of the apostles whose name is inscribed on a bell tower of the Nativity facade.
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Saint Jude Thaddeus Saint
An apostle to whom one of the Nativity facade bell towers is dedicated.
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Saint Veronica Saint
Major Subirachs sculptural figure on the Passion facade, shown with the veil bearing Christ's face.
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Saint Longinus Saint
Depicted as the mounted centurion among the Passion facade sculptures by Josep Maria Subirachs.
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Saint Francis of Assisi Saint
Among the statues of religious-order founders decorating the apse.
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Saint Bartholomew Saint
An apostle to whom one of the Passion facade towers is dedicated.
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Venerable Antoni Gaudi Blessed
Chief architect, buried in the crypt (Chapel of Our Lady of Carmel); proclaimed Venerable in 2025, on the path to beatification.
Care & donations
Junta Constructora del Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia
Admission fees fund construction; donations accepted
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