Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
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Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus - by Tomáš Nožina on Unsplash
Description
The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (in Catalan: Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor) is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica located on the summit of Mount Tibidabo in Barcelona. Construction is relatively recent, having started in 1902 with the crypt before the main church was built above it, followed by the towers that were completed in 1961. The crypt exterior design is that of a stone fortress (interior is neo-Byzantine) whereas the church is neo-Gothic, a stark difference. The church is crowned by the bronze statue of the Sacred Heart.
Access & Transport
The church is right next to the Tibidabo amusement park, atop Tibidabo hill. The best way to get there is by car but there are also a few public transport options. The first one is the Tibibus (T2A) from Plaça de Catalunya (takes 30') and the 2nd one is to take the S1 or S2 train from Plaça de Catalunya to Peu del Funicular followed by the funicular railway to Vallvidrera Superior and then bus 111 to Plaça Tibidabo. The 3rd option, that of the Tramvia Blau (Blue Tram), is currently not available due to extensive repairs.
Instructions & Recommendations
This is a religious temple so please dress conservatively. Note that the use of the lift and access to the 2nd and 3rd terraces is 4 € per person. This activity is best combined with the Tibidabo Amusement Park right next to it or a hike in the Serra de Collserola Natural Park (proper footwear is needed + carry some water)
Environmental & Social
We deem this activity environmentally and socially neutral.
Conclusion
The Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus seems to dominate the city, at the top of Mount Tibidabo, and is a worthwhile visit if your primary interests are either the view or the Tibidabo amusement park. However, if you are more interested in the architecture and religious art, we would strongly suggest exploring the main churches in the old city and La Sagrada Familia first.
Key positive
Impressive setting and exterior facade + Sacred Heart Statue
Great views over Barcelona
Key negative
Takes time to get there
Interior art and decoration are a little underwhelming
Suitability
No religious denomination restrictions. There is no specific information available around accessibility of the church which suggests that there may not be any specific infrastructure. Given there are several staircases involved, we think that it isn't suitable to people with reduced mobility.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:1h
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY09:00 - 21:00
TUESDAY09:00 - 21:00
WEDNESDAY09:00 - 21:00
THURSDAY09:00 - 21:00
FRIDAY09:00 - 21:00
SATURDAY09:00 - 21:00
SUNDAY09:00 - 21:00
Start of Season 2:Oct, 01
MONDAY09:00 - 20:00
TUESDAY09:00 - 20:00
WEDNESDAY09:00 - 20:00
THURSDAY09:00 - 20:00
FRIDAY09:00 - 20:00
SATURDAY09:00 - 20:00
SUNDAY09:00 - 20:00