Sagrada Familia guided tours | Learn all there is to know!

One of the most iconic churches in Europe, Sagrada Familia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sees hundreds of visitors each day. Known for its breathtaking architecture and interesting motifs, the basilica is the brain child of architect Antoni Gaudi. Drawing inspiration from nature, he designed the structure in Art Nouveau and Spanish Gothic style.

This is our comprehensive guide to exploring Sagrada Familia Barcelona, architecture, interiors, and other tips and hacks for your Sagrada Familia guided tour tickets.

Advantages of a Sagrada Familia Guided Tour

One of the most popular tourist destinations of Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia attracts thousands of people every year. However, visiting this basilica can become quite daunting, especially if it is your first time in the country. From waiting in line for hours to finding your way around the towers, it can become a time-consuming experience. An easy way to avoid this problem is to opt for a guided tour of the Sagrada Familia. Your expert guide will take care of everything, from finding a convenient time to planning the trip in detail. Thus, Sagrada Familia guided tours are, without a doubt, your best bet for an easy and hassle-free experience.

Beating the crowd: Skip-the-line access with Sagrada Familia guided tours

One of the most visited attractions of the city, Sagrada Familia sees hundreds of visitors every day. By opting for a Sagrada Familia guided tour with skip-the-line feature, you can save a considerable amount of time. Moreover, being part of a guided tour allows you to enter through a different gate with lesser waiting time than the standard one.

Flexible tour timings: Sagrada Familia guided tours at sunset

Sagrada Familia during sunset is indeed a sight to behold. With the light from the setting sun reflecting across the numerous stained glass windows, the entire basilica is covered with a golden hue. In fact, Gaudi constructed the basilica in such a way that the sunlight would light up different aspects of Jesus Christ’s life. However, since this is the most popular time slot, you will have to deal with long queues and crowded ticket counters. By opting for a Sagrada Familia sunset guided tour, you can enjoy the golden hour to its fullest.

Expert Guidance: Getting the complete experience with Sagrada Familia guided tours

Filled with intricate details, the symbolism of nature and secret corners, the Sagrada Familia has much to offer. The best way to truly discover this iconic landmark is by opting for a guided tour of the basilica. Your professional guide will answer all your questions and make sure that you make the most of your visit.

Hassle-free experience: Leave all the planning to your Sagrada Familia tour guide

On an average, the Sagrada Familia sees around 3,000,000 visitors every year. The crowd can be quite daunting for a visitor, especially if they are new to the country. For a hassle-free experience, you can choose a Sagrada Familia guided tour. Your professional guide will take care of everything, from securing tickets for the time slot of your choice to walking you through all the attractions of the basilica.

The Best Sagrada Familia Guided Tours

Guided Tours

Combo Guided Tours

Choosing the Best Sagrada Familia Guided Tour

Sagrada Familia Guided Tours: Deconstructed

No visit to Barcelona is complete without witnessing the magnificent Sagrada Familia. At the start of your Sagrada Familia guided tour, your host will meet you at a pre-decided landmark. He or she will assist you to bypass the long queues (if you opt for a skip-the-line ticket ) and gain entry through a special group's entrance to the Sagrada Familia. Once inside the basilica, you will be guided through the different attractions depending on your choice of Sagrada Familia guided tour. Some of these attractions include:

Nativity Facade

Complete with four towers and three doors, the Nativity facade is indeed a sight to behold. The intricate carvings include motifs from everyday life such as plants and human figures. Symbols of Christianity can also be found aplenty. Using these symbols, Gaudi has managed to depict the birth of Christ through the Nativity facade. Visitors can find depictions of the Three Wise Men, the Tree of Life, the Holy Trinity and many more at the Nativity facade. This intricate work of art can be found across the length of the tower, from the bottom of the structure up till the bell towers.

Passion Facade

Just like the nativity facade depicts the birth of Christ, the Passion facade represents the passion and death of Jesus. This is beautifully represented through its geometric edges that lend a bare appearance to the tower. The use of plain stones in its construction adds to its simplicity. Each of the four towers that make up the Passion facade represents the four Apostles, namely, James, Thomas, Philip and Bartholomew.

The spiral staircase

Usually used while coming back from visiting one of the towers, this architectural marvel was constructed to resemble a seashell. Be careful while you climb down these stairs as they tend to be quite steep.

Interiors

Gaudi adopted a gothic style in his architecture of the basilica. The interiors of the Sagrada Familia is filled with symbolisms of both christianity and nature. Visitors can spot them in the tree-like formation of the columns and the Latin cross-shape of the basilica. This is also especially apparent in the absence of straight lines in the structure.

Architecture

The original design accommodates eighteen spires that represent the twelve Apostles, Virgin Mary, four Evangelists and Jesus Christ. The height of the spires are in accordance with the importance of the person they represent. Thus, the tallest spire represents Jesus Christ and stands at a height of 560 feet. However, since Gaudi believed that man-made structures should never be superior to the creations of God, he designed it to be one-meter shorter than the highest point in Barcelona.

Nativity Tower vs Passion Tower: Which One To Visit

Unfortunately, your ticket with tower access will include only one tower. Unless you want to purchase two tickets, you will have to choose between the Nativity tower and the Passion tower. While both the towers are equally visited and of the same height, the only difference is that while the nativity tower faces East, the Passion tower faces West. This means that the tower of Nativity looks out towards the sea while the Passion tower is angled towards the city. You can use the elevator to climb up to both the towers. The climb down, however, has to be done on foot

The fact that the Nativity tower was built by Antoni Gaudi himself makes it even more appealing to visitors. Another feature that makes the Nativity facade more popular than the Passion facade is the bridge that connects the two Nativity towers. The view from this bridge is incredible, not to mention the way it has been built.

SAgrada Familia - Essential Information

March and October: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
April to September: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
November to February: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
December 25 & 26, January 1 & 6: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Reaching Sagrada Familia is quite easy as the network of public transport is quite well connected.

By Bus: Avail 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50, 51, B20 or B24 buses and get down at Sagrada Familia.
By Metro: Catch the L2 or L5 lines and get down at Sagrada Familia station.

The Sagrada Familia has two entrances. If you have a pre-purchased ticket, head over to the Nativity façade entrance. On the other hand, if you are looking to purchase tickets, the ticket counter can be found in the entrance near Carrer de Sardenya road.
If you have tickets for a group tour, head over to the group entrance at Carrer de la Marina. You will also find a ticket counter there where you can make group bookings.

Sagrada Familia - Insider Tips

• Sagrada Familia, unlike most other attractions in Barcelona, remains open on Mondays. If you want to beat the crowd, this is the best time to visit as most people think it is shut.
• If you are visiting Sagrada Familia, do not miss out on the towers. They are definitely worth getting tickets for!
• The security procedure at the Sagrada Familia takes quite some time. Therefore, make sure you arrive 10-15 minutes before your time slot.
• Children below the age of 6 are not allowed entry inside the towers. If someone between the age of 6 and 16 wishes to visit the towers, it is mandatory that they must be accompanied by an adult.
• If you have purchased the Barcelona Pass , you can enter the Sagrada Familia free of cost.
• You can find luggage storage facilities at the left-luggage office. If you have suitcases or backpacks, you can store them in this facility for the duration of your tour.

Rules for visiting Sagrada Familia

• Since it is a place of worship, all visitors are expected to uphold the sanctity of the place. Unruly behaviour such as running, shouting etc is prohibited at the Sagrada Familia Basilica.
• All visitors are requested to maintain silence and not disturb others by raising their voices.
• Smoking, drinking and eating is not allowed inside the basilica.
• Short skirts and plunging necklines are not allowed while visiting the basilica.
• All visitors should remove their hats upon entering.
• If you are attending Sunday Mass, you will not be allowed to take photos while the mass is in progress.

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