Visitors are not allowed to bring any food into the Sagrada Familia. This rule applies to all types of snacks, sandwiches, or picnic items.
Eating inside the basilica is not permitted at any time. This policy is in place to keep the building clean and preserve its sacred nature. Food should be finished before entering.
If someone is carrying food, security staff will ask them to dispose of it before entry. There are no exceptions for special diets or small children.
No outside drinks are allowed inside the Sagrada Familia. This includes bottled water, juice, soda, or any other liquid.
Drinking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas and never inside the main building. Visitors may carry a sealed water bottle but must not open it indoors. All drinks must stay outside or be consumed before entering.
The only exception is for baby bottles or for medical needs, and these should be declared during the security check.
Upon arrival, all bags are checked by security. Staff look for food, drinks, and other restricted items.
If food or drinks are found, visitors must throw them away or store them elsewhere before entering.
Outside the basilica, there are several areas where people can sit and eat. Parks and benches are available just a short walk away. Many visitors choose to enjoy their meals in Plaça de Gaudí or Plaça de la Sagrada Família, which both offer good views and a relaxed setting. Plus, if you want a taste of the local cuisine, there is a wide choice of excellent tapas restaurant in the area.
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.