To enter the Sagrada Familia, you must purchase a ticket. The venue has a time slot policy to control the number of tourists inside at all times. Reservations can be made via the official website or authorized ticket vendors. Tickets are often sold out weeks in advance, so plan your visit accordingly.
Upon arrival, you will encounter security checks. Visitors must adhere to a standard dress code: no hats, shoulders must be covered, and skirts or trousers should be at least mid-thigh in length. Be prepared to undergo bag checks to ensure safety within the premises.
Food and drinks cannot be brought inside the Basilica. You are allowed to drink on the premise, but you must first exit the church.
For the safety and preservation of the Sagrada Familia, certain items and activities are strictly forbidden. Large bags, backpacks, and suitcases are not allowed inside. This helps prevent damage to the delicate architectural features. Additionally, sharp objects, fireworks, and flammable materials are banned to reduce fire and injury risks.
Antoni Gaudí envisioned the Sagrada Família as a combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. Using a variety of organic forms, Gaudí aimed to create a structure that harmonized nature and architecture. It is open to tourists throughout the year, with different opening hours depending on the period. It is advisable to book your tickets online because the entries are scheduled in time slots.
For those wanting to dive deeper in the history of this amazing building and get the necessary context to really enjoy its finer details, consider taking a guided tour.
For individuals with mobility issues, the Sagrada Familia is fully enjoyable by people with any need, except for its towers, which require a good amount of steps to get back to ground floor.
Construction of the Sagrada Família began in 1882 under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar before Gaudí took over the project in 1883. Gaudí dedicated the latter part of his life solely to this monumental task. After his death in 1926, construction continued based on his detailed models and plans.
Significant milestones include the completion of the Nativity facade in 1935 and the progress made on the Passion facade in the late 20th century. By 2010, key elements like the nave and main altar had been completed, allowing for consecration by Pope Benedict XVI.
The construction of the Sagrada Familia has faced numerous challenges, including political turmoil, funding issues, and technical difficulties. The Spanish Civil War in the 1930s saw Gaudí's original plans and models largely destroyed, necessitating reconstruction based on surviving documents and interpretations by subsequent architects.