About Sagrada Familia
Construction began in 1882, and Antoni Gaudí's ambitious basilica remains unfinished today. Expected completion: 2026 (Gaudí's death centennial). This UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts 4.5 million visitors annually with its soaring towers, intricate facades, and forest-like interior columns that seem to branch toward heaven.
⏰ Opening Hours & Best Times
- Hours: November-February: 9 AM-6 PM | March & October: 9 AM-7 PM | April-September: 9 AM-8 PM
- Best time: First slot at 9 AM (fewer crowds, morning light through stained glass)
- Least crowded: Weekdays in winter, late afternoon slots
- Light show: Mid-morning (10-11 AM) for blue light, late afternoon for orange/red hues
💰 Costs
- Basic admission: €26 (basilica only)
- With towers: €36 (includes Nativity or Passion facade tower)
- Audio guide: €33 (basilica + audio)
- Guided tours: €50-75 per person (skip-line + expert guide, 1.5 hours)
- Private guide: €200-350 for up to 6 people (doesn't include tickets)
Book ahead: Tickets sell out weeks in advance. Official site: sagradafamilia.org
🎯 Why Use a Guide
- Decode the symbolism: Every detail has meaning - guides reveal Gaudí's genius
- Architecture expertise: Understand how Gaudí revolutionized structural design
- Skip confusion: Three facades (Nativity, Passion, Glory) tell different biblical stories
- Light timing: Guides position you perfectly for stained glass light shows
- Tower access: Guides explain which tower offers best views
✨ Don't Miss
- 🌳 Forest interior: Columns branch like trees - biomimicry before it was trendy
- 🎨 Stained glass: Blue/green on east, red/orange on west create magical color shifts
- 🗿 Nativity facade: Gaudí's only completed facade (1930s), incredibly detailed
- ⚒️ Passion facade: Stark, angular style by sculptor Josep Subirachs
- 🏗️ Construction views: See ongoing work from museum in basement
- 🔔 Tower climb: 400+ steps or elevator to breathtaking city views
📝 Practical Tips
- Book online only: No walk-up tickets available - must pre-purchase with timeslot
- Arrive 20 min early: Security screening takes time
- Dress code: Shoulders and knees covered (it's a working basilica)
- Tower elevator: Limited capacity, books up fast - reserve when buying tickets
- Photos allowed: No flash, no tripods, no commercial use
- Allow 1.5-2 hours: 3+ hours if climbing towers and visiting museum
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book Sagrada Familia tickets in advance?
Yes, absolutely. Sagrada Familia sells out weeks in advance during peak season (April-October). Walk-up tickets are not available. Book at sagradafamilia.org 2-3 weeks ahead minimum.
How much does a tour guide cost for Sagrada Familia?
Group tours with a guide cost €50-75 per person for 1.5 hours including skip-the-line entry. Private guides cost €200-350 for up to 6 people (tickets separate at €26 each).
Is Sagrada Familia worth visiting with a guide?
Yes. Guides explain the intricate symbolism that you'd miss alone - every detail has meaning. They also position you perfectly for the stained glass light shows and skip 1-2 hour queues.
What is the best time to visit Sagrada Familia?
First slot at 9 AM offers fewer crowds and beautiful morning light through the stained glass. Weekdays in winter (November-February) are least crowded.
When will Sagrada Familia be finished?
Current completion target is 2026, marking 100 years since Gaudí's death. However, construction has been ongoing since 1882 and previous targets were missed.