The words are not enough to describe this sacred place and we hope many Barcelona lovers have the chance to see La Sagrada Familia. I hope we will be able to describe this unfinished basilica of Antoni Gaudi.
La Sagrada Familia is an unfinished basilica in Barcelona city. It's known that La Sagrada Familia is a work of art of one of the greatest architecture in the world Antoni Gaudi. That's truly right but the first building of this cathedral was started to build by diocesan architect Francisco de Paula del Villar on 19 March 1882. At the end of 1883, the building of this wonder of art was assigned to Gaudi. He carried his work until his death which happened in 1926. This unique symbol of Barcelona city has still been tried to be finished with the donations from Barcelona people. That's why it's getting hard to complete this basilica. Of course, there is another big reason about going on building work like today's technology is still trying to understand the idea and style of Gaudi's architecture but it's not the issue for the people living in Barcelona city as they see this basilica as a work in the hands of God and will of the people who have contributions with their donations.
The Nativity Façade of this church shows the celebration of the Jesus and it also symbolizes Life of Joy or Christmas. The Passion Façade refers to passion of Jesus which means the death, the pain or the sacrifice. This passion façade faces in the west and so it takes the sunlight before sun goes down and this represent the symbolic effects of darkness and shadows. This passion façade has got three entrances which symbolizes hope, charity and faith and has got four towers representing apostles St James the Less, St Bartholomew, St Thomas and Philip from left to right. On the Nativity Façade over 40 different animals are represented.
Picture above shows the Glory Façade of La Sagrada Familia. It's called so as it represents the situation of the man within the general of creation like origins, problems and the road he should take and the purpose at last. When this amazing basilica is finished, this glory façade will be the main entrance to the church.
When we enter we come across with Apse Façade which was devoted to Virgin Mary. A number of sculptures represent the founder of religious orders like St Antony, St Benedict or St Scholastica. Here for this fascinating there is a saying of Antoni Gaudi '' A church is the only thing worthy of representing the feelings of a people, for religion is the highest thing in people. When you walk inside of the basilica you will see many columns built in tree shapes which make you think you are in a forest. Inside the basilica there are stairs consisting of many steps which are enchanting! You can ride the elevator up to towers and the scenery is splendid but you have to walk down! That can make you a little dizzy but atmosphere of this sparkling basilica already enchants you before you rise the sky. When the church is finished it will have 18 towers; 12 towers will be dedicated to apostles, 4 to evangelists, one to Jesus and one to Mary. On the bell towers the words Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus and Hosanna in Excelsis can be seen which represents praising the Lord when people read them.
Inside La Sagrada Familia you can pray everywhere. There are many symbols and areas to pray. On the door placed in front engraving two doors of Passion Façade welcomes you. There are two doors look really statuesque. On the engraving doors there are words taken from Bible representing various languages including Catalan of course. Some words are highlighted with gold. It is really worth to look for the words referring sacred parts of the life.
It's important to know the some details about this Barcelona historical place La Sagrada Familia entrance terms. First of all you should know that you may wait in the ticket queue nearly two hours! Yes, you heard right. If you plan Barcelona travel in summer then be sure that you have some water and suntan cream with you. Of course there is another way to buy tickets beforehand your visit to La Sagrada Familia. Here click on to buy online tickets.
If you would like to buy your tickets from the counter below find ticket fee for the entrance to La Sagrada Familia.
Sagrada Familia Visit with a guide:
19,30€
17,30€ ( students and retired)
Sagrada Familia Visit with audio guide:
19,30€
16,30€ ( students and retired)
Sagrada Familia and visit to towers:
19,30€
17,30€ ( students and retired)
Sagrada Familia and Gaudi House Museum:
18,30€
17,30€ ( students and retired)
Sagrada Familia:
14,80€
12,80€ ( students and retired)
Visit Hours:
October to March 9.00 to 18.00 h
April to Spetember 9.00 to 20.00 h
25 and 26 December -1 and 6 January 9.00 to 14.00 h
How can you access to La Sagrada Familia? It's in the center of Barcelona city. If you like walking and staying in Plaça de Catalunia then you can walk and it takes around 20 or 25 minutes. It can be a good idea to see the around and Barcelona streets by walking. If you would like to take metro, there is a metro station in front of the Basilica. You should take Blue Line L5 and Purple Line L2.
Finally we should inform that there are two shops in the Basilica; one is on the Passion Façade and the other is on the Nativity Façade. You can buy some souvenirs related to La Sagrada Familia and can find many photo books or historical publishing.
