Please do not ask me what the first best thing I see in the morning is. That is my little secret :).
Barcelona’s most iconic building, La Sagrada Familia is, however, the second-best thing I see in the morning.
What are the odds of moving to Barcelona and living so close to it?
I see the Sagrada Familia every morning
I have to take the blue metro line to work, and the station entrance (called Sagrada Familia) is right in front of the basilica.
Every morning, I lift my head and think: “I am so lucky to be here and to see this wonder every day, twice a day, sometimes more”.
How many people can say the same? I am so privileged.
I give it to you. The covered façade and the ongoing work on the building dampen the awe. But higher up, you can see all the funky designs, those large spiky towers, and the promise of a spectacular building at the end of the works.
I sometimes forget that it is a church.
A few words about the Sagrada Familia
Since I have lived in the Sagrada Familia area, I have seen the basilica in works.
The construction site started in 1882 with another architect, Francisco de Paula del Villar. That latter resigned in 1883, and Gaudi took over, working for the rest of his life in the basilica’s construction.
He changed the original design and replaced it with geometric forms found in nature. He also used visual symbolism to express the many mysteries of the Christian faith.
The planned completion date was 2026. After COVID 19, the end of the works is postponed to an unknown date.
An ambitious project financed by alms
The project was ambitious, and its size massive. Interesting facts, Gaudi’s tomb is beneath the cathedral, and the Sagrada Familia was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2005.
In November 2010, Pop Benoit XVI sacred it minor Basilica.
Its construction is funded by alms from Catholics seeking to atone for their sins. Indeed, the Sagrada Famili is an expiatory temple, Templo Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia (Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Family).
Nowadays, the price of your entrance covers the costs of the works and the maintenance of the building.
Lucky me!
When I walk towards my metro station, I am always amazed by the number of people queuing to enter or admire the Sagrada Familia: So many nationalities, men, women, families with kids, groups of friends, couples, seniors, and young people. It is impressive.
They travel all the way to Barcelona for a chance to admire this astonishing and majestuous building, and I see it every single day! Lucky me!
Of course, in ten years, I have had the time to see the Sagrada Familia grow. I went up the towers. I visited inside with and without a guided tour, and admired its towers from a rooftop with a glass in my hand.
Find my tips on visiting it below.
Tips on visiting the Sagrada Familia
If you want to visit the Sagrada Familia, you can only buy your ticket online here.
I did the guided tour in English. I am not sure it is worth it compared to the audio guide unless you are so passionate you need to ask a lot of questions about the basilica.
The Sagrada Familia for free
Currently, the standard entrance to the Sagrada Familia is 26 euros. It is possible to enter the Sagrada Familia for free during masses. Bear in mind. The key concept is that doors open for people who want to attend the religious service. It is not for visiting, but it can be an once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially if you are a Catholic. The Sagrada Familia can house up to 800 people since the COVID despite its higher capacity.
I experimented and went to the Basilica at 8h30 to ensure to get a seat one Sunday. Wasted effort! The Basilica was already fully booked. People come to queue from 6 am.
Otherwise, the foundation regularly gives free tickets away. Keep an eye on the website, follow their social media, or subscribe to the newsletter.
A rooftop view
If you want a fabulous viewpoint of the Sagrada Familia, you can admire it from the rooftop of the Sercotel Rosellon. Sshhh! This is an insider secret.
You need to book your places using the hotel’s website. It is easy and free. Choose the number of guests, the date and the hour. Here is the link.
Other places of interest in Barcelona: