La Sagrada Família
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Sagrada Familia - by Ken Cheung on Unsplash
Description
The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona's iconic still unfinished Roman Catholic Basilica located in the Eixample district. It was designed by the famous artist Antoni Gaudí (who is buried in the crypt) in a combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles and construction started in 1882 - it relies solely on private donation, which explains the slow pace of progress. Completion is now scheduled for the end of this decade. The Church will have 3 grand façades: the Nativity to the East, the Passion to the West, and the Glory to the South (yet to be completed); and it will have 18 Spires (8 of each have been completed thus far).
Access & Transport
The best way to reach is by metro, there is a Sagrada Familia station (L2/L5) next to the monument. There are also bus stops along Carrer de Mallorca and Carrer de Lepant.
Instructions & Recommendations
We strongly recommend buying tickets online beforehand to avoid the queue. This activity is best combined with a visit of the Eixample neighbourhood, which may include Casa Mila or Casa Batlló followed by the Plaça de Catalunya.
Environmental & Social
The construction project is quite large, so it rates slightly negatively from an environmental standpoint. From a social perspective it is now a complete part of the city's cultural heritage
Conclusion
La Sagrada is an unmissable city landmark. You should visit whether you normally enjoy religious buildings or not and, if you deem the price to be too high, at least spend some time looking at it from outside. We also strongly suggest visitors spend a few minutes learning about the background story, Gaudi and what he tried to represent in the building facades and spires.
Key positive
Iconic architecture and design
The interior also has a unique atmosphere and use of light
Next to metro station
Key negative
Overpriced but most of the funds go towards the construction
Long queues / overcrowded
Suitability
Suitable for all ages and no religious restriction. The ground floor is accessible for wheelchair users but not the lifts to the towers (need to climb a flight of stairs)
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:2h
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY09:00 - 20:00
TUESDAY09:00 - 20:00
WEDNESDAY09:00 - 20:00
THURSDAY09:00 - 20:00
FRIDAY09:00 - 20:00
SATURDAY09:00 - 18:00
SUNDAY10:30 - 20:00
Start of Season 2:Oct, 01
MONDAY09:00 - 18:00
TUESDAY09:00 - 18:00
WEDNESDAY09:00 - 18:00
THURSDAY09:00 - 18:00
FRIDAY09:00 - 18:00
SATURDAY09:00 - 18:00
SUNDAY10:30 - 18:00