SAGRADA FAMÍLIA HISTORY
A construction that lasted more than 140 years
Sagrada Família or Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Família is a basilica in Barcelona, Spain. It was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. Its construction began in 1882 and continued for more than 140 years before reaching its final height in 2026. Its full name is the Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family. It was funded by donations with the goal of invigorating Christianity in the city, which was turning more and more secular. The Chapel of Saint Joseph was inaugurated in 1885, and the first masses were held. Although unfinished, Sagrada Família was consecrated for religious worship in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI and designated as a minor basilica.
Gaudí wasn’t the original architect
The original Neo-Gothic design for Sagrada Família was created by Francisco de Paula del Villar. Due to differences on the cost of materials needed for the project, Gaudí, who was getting a good reputation, was made the architect in charge of the project. His unique design included 18 towers, symbolizing the Apostles, the evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus, represented by the tallest central tower. There are also four bell towers representing the Apostles. The sculptures on the Passion façade were made by Josep Maria Subirachs. After Gaudí’s death, the work on the church was continued by other architects, namely Francesc de Paula Quintana and Jordi Bonet i Armengol.
Sagrada Família – Symbol of a movement
Barcelona is located in the region of Catalonia, which was suppressed by the Castilian majority in the government. Gaudí was important in the movement called Renaixensa, a revival of the arts and a political anti-Castilian movement in favor of Catalanism. Sagrada Família became the religious symbol of the Renaixensa movement in the city.
Most of Gaudí’s original designs are lost
The project was slowed down because of the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s when the church was vandalized. The construction was interrupted, and most of Gaudí’s designs were burnt, and the plaster models were destroyed.
UNESCO World Heritage site
Gaudí’s work, including the Nativity façade and the crypt, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1984. Altogether, seven properties designed by Gaudí are protected by UNESCO because of his contribution to architecture and building technology in the 19th and 20th centuries. They are: Park Güell, Palacio Güell, Crypt in Colonia Güell, Casa Batlló, Casa Mila, and Casa Vicens.
Gaudí was a promising student
Antoni Gaudí i Cornet was born in 1852 in Reus, Spain, about one and a half hours away from Barcelona by car. He moved to Barcelona in 1870 to study architecture, and he worked different jobs to pay for his studies. Although he was not consistent as a student, he was promising and worked with some of his professors. When Gaudí graduated, the school’s director said that he didn’t know if they gave the degree to a crazy person or a genius and that only time would tell.
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Gaudí’s masterpiece
Sagrada Família Guided Tour
Join a Sagrada Família Guided Tour and explore the famous basilica without waiting in the regular ticket lines. Follow your guide through the beautiful interior and admire the colorful stained-glass windows. You will see the impressive facades, the main nave, and the sanctuary. The experience also features a walk through the museum, where you can study original sketches and models. Secure your spot today and discover the architectural secrets of architect Antoni Gaudí.
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Sagrada Família Private Tour
Experience the iconic Sagrada Familia in Barcelona at your own pace with a private tour tailored to your interests. Enjoy fast-track entry and a personalized journey with an expert guide. Discover Gaudi's visionary masterpiece, completed in 2026 after more than 140 years of construction, including its hidden symbols and forest-like interior. See the stunning stained glass windows, monumental towers, and facades with intricate sculptures and learn about the meaning behind every detail. Learn about Gaudi's life, his impact on Catalan art, and his lasting legacy.
Gaudí believed the construction of Sagrada would take 200 years
During the construction of the Sagrada Família, Gaudí became more devout, and in 1914, he started working only on the church, abandoning basically all other projects, and started living in its workshop. He worked on the church until he died in 1926 without seeing the completion of the project. He believed that its construction would take 200 years but said that the project’s patron was not in a hurry.
Barcelona paid respects to its masterful architect
Antoni Gaudí died in 1926. He was hit by a tram on his way to Sagrada Família from the Church of Sant Felip Neri. He was taken to the hospital, and nobody thought the unkempt old man was the architect of the Sagrada Família, already famous at the time. He was recognized at the hospital by the Priest of the Sagrada Família. He was buried underneath the basilica two days later, and most people of Barcelona attended his funeral.
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Skip-the-Line
Sagrada Família Fast-Track Ticket with Tower Access
Discover one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks at your own pace. Enjoy fast-track access to Gaudi’s stunning Sagrada Família Basilica and explore its architecture and towering spires. See the tall columns resembling trees and beautiful stained glass windows filling the space with color. View the detailed carvings on the exterior facades and explore Gaudi’s unique designs inspired by nature.
Access to top sights
Barcelona Pass
Get your money’s worth with our Barcelona Pass! With this ticket, you can visit Barcelona's top attractions such as Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the Gaudí House Museum, Camp Nou, and Casa Batlló. You can also enjoy a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus to see the city, expert guides, skip-the-line access, and more. Get ready to see Barcelona’s highlights!