The Building of a Cathedral
It doesn't take you long to reach the conclusion that many who live in Barcelona have never seen its skyline void of cranes. This work- in-progress has been a generational undertaking, but now, there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
The Basilica de la Sagrada Família is a Roman Catholic cathedral intent on depicting the life of Christ in all forms of sculpture, glass and ornamentation. Architect Antoni Gaudí began his work in the late 1800s, and his passion was to complete this place of worship for the people of Barcelona.
Since his death in 1926, others have stepped in hopes of completing this massive structure For more than 135 years since the laying of the cornerstone, construction continues on the Basilica and is expected to be completed in 2026, the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death.
When Gaudi took over the project in 1889, he completed the crypt and immediately saw the promise of the structure. He set-aside the neo-Gothic plans for one of grander stonework, columns and towers. He began work on the Nativity facade and continued from there. He built a school for the children of the workers in 1909. Final designs for the nave and roofs were completed in 1923. He died in 1926 from a tram accident having only seen one of the towers completed. His remains are in the crypt of the Sagrada Familia.
In the late 1930s, fire destroyed the schools and the crypt as well as the original plans. In 1940, architect Francesc de Paula Quintana i Vidal restored many of the original plans and continued with Gaudi's original vision. The Nativity facade, the Passion facade and the Glory facade were all built according to their original intent.
Today, construction continues on a daily basis. With only 8 towers completed, there will be a total of 18 at its conclusion. As you enter the cathedral through the side entrance (Nativity), an audio tour will take you through each section, inviting you to see through Guadi's eyes. Other than the central nave and a small prayer chapel, you have an option to go to the top of one of the completed towers (Passion or Nativity - the one which Gaudi built) via elevator and requires a slow climb down a winding staircase which is rather claustrophobic. The Nativity tower's descent of 504 narrow steps is slightly wider. There are a few places reserved for prayer and reflection; one requires appropriate dress.
The Archdiocese of Barcelona holds an international mass at the Basilica of the Sagrada Família every Sunday and on holy days of obligation. Mass begins at 9 a.m. and open until it reaches capacity.
It's obvious that this is one of Barcelona's main tourist attractions. It's a draw to street vendors yielding bubbles and ice cream sellers, as well as pick pockets. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Familia draws thousands of visitors per year. Crowds are hard to navigate and many forget that this is church. Observe specific areas that are designated for prayer; avoid taking the selfie that somewhat negates the reason you came. Be respectful of others and especially for the workers whose job appears to be futile at times. Buy tickets online. Don't expect to purchase a ticket onsite. Be prepared to go through heavy security and metal detectors. And, be prepared to wait.
How to see the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia
Buy tickets online. This ensure immediate access through the entrance at the Nativity facade. Carry a print out of your ticket.
Ticket prices (as of July 2019): Sagrada Familia with towers (includes audio tour and ONE tower) - 32 euros; Sagrada Family (with audio tour) - 25 euros; Basic Ticket (no audio/no towers) - 17 euros; children under 11 free.
If you wish to visit the towers, you must be an additional ticket. If you want to visit both towers, it will require two additional tickets.
While most attractions are closed on Mondays, Sagrada Familia is open. Monday is a good day to visit.
General hours are from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. with closing times fluctuating by an hour or so at certain times of the year.
There's a METRO stop in front of the cathedral. The Barcelona Hop On Hop Off bus stops in front as well.
The experience should take no longer than two hours depending on crowds and pace.
To learn more about the city of Barcelona and how to plan your trip, visit Barcelona Tourism.
For more information on the Sagrada Familia, visit Barcelona de la Sagrada Familia website.
