The construction of Sagrada Família began in 1882. Initially, the design was created by the architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. However, after a year, Antoni Gaudí took over the project and completely changed the plans. Gaudí dedicated over 40 years of his life to this project, spending the last 15 years of his life entirely on it. After Gaudí’s death in 1926, the construction of the church continued, but it is still not fully completed.

Visiting Hours

Sagrada Família is open to the public daily, but exact hours may vary throughout the year. It is recommended to book tickets in advance, as this site is one of the most visited attractions in barelona,( sagradafamilia.org). Visitors can explore the church’s interior, climb its towers, and enjoy stunning views of Barcelona. There is also a museum beneath the church that explains its history and construction process.

Location & Architecture

• Architectural Style: Sagrada Família is a blend of different architectural styles, mainly Neo-Gothic and Catalan Modernism (Modernisme). The design includes tall spires, intricate facades, and rich details inspired by nature and religion.

• Towers: Gaudí designed the church to have 18 towers, each representing a religious figure (12 apostles, 4 evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ). Several towers have already been completed, and the central tower, which will be 172.5 meters tall, is still under construction as the tallest tower of the church.

• Facades: The church has three main facades, each representing a different phase of Jesus Christ’s life:

• Nativity Facade (Birth)

• Passion Facade (Suffering and Death)

• Glory Facade (Resurrection and Glory)

UNESCO World Heritage Status

In 2005, Sagrada Família was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of Gaudí’s works.With its unique design and cultural significance, Sagrada Família is one of the most remarkable and influential religious landmarks in the world, attracting millions of tourists every year.