La Sagrada Familia is the most iconic attraction in Barcelona and draws in millions of visitors every year who are all interested in the phenomenal piece of architecture that made Antoni Gaudi so famous. (For more things to do in Barcelona see my guide to free activities).
However, Gaudi wasn’t the original mastermind behind the church, despite working away at it until his death in 1926. It was in fact Francisco de Paula del Villar, a diocesan architect, who began the design and construction in 1882 before handing over the commission to Gaudi a year later. Since Gaudi’s death, many other architects have picked up where he left off. Today, work is constantly being carried out on La Sagrada Familia and a visit there won’t be void of any scaffolding.
For some, seeing the exterior of La Sagrada Familia is enough to satiate their interest in Barcelona’s best attraction, but still many queue up, sometimes for hours, to get a peak inside.
During my time in Barcelona, many people asked me whether it was worth queuing and paying to go inside when the most iconic feature of La Sagrada Familia is outside and free for all to see. So, here are my thoughts.
Price
The cheapest price is €14.80 which only allows you entry into the Basilica. This was the option I chose. An audioguide will set you back another €5-ish(€19.30 altogether). If you plan on visiting the Gaudi House-Museum as well, you can get a ticket that allows entry to that and the Basilica for €18.30. The prices aren’t cheap and I often wonder whether this alone is enough to put people off going inside.
N.B – Updated 11th November 2014 with current prices
Queues
Stupidly, I visited La Sagrada Familia at around lunctime. Bad move. The queues snaked all the way around the block and I ended up waiting almost an hour just to get to the ticket desk. Staff suggested that the best time to visit was either in the morning or around an hour before it closes (6pm in October-March or 8pm in April to September). Alternatively, tickets can be bought online making queuing time considerably less lengthy.
The queue also attracts a lot of persistent beggars who see the large quantities of tourists as a perfect opportunity. I was approached on four separate occasions whilst I waited.
Appearance and Atmosphere
This is what I think makes it worthwhile. Personally, when I think of churches, I think of dark, cold spaces filled with a thick atmosphere. It might have been the time of day I visited, but this certainly wasn’t the case for La Sagrada Familia. The bright sunlight pouring through the stained glass windows cast an ethereal glow over the interior, and the pale fixtures and fittings provided a refreshing change from the heavy gold and dark colours of ‘traditional’ churches. Despite the queuing time, it wasn’t particularly busy and most of the photo opportunities were above head, making it easy to snap the perfect tourist-free shot. In some ways the interior offers a complete contrast to the exterior, where the outside displays more intricate architectural examples whilst the inside is home to a clean-cut, smooth aesthetic. In my opinion, this contrast alone is well worth checking out.
So, is it worth it?
I resented queuing for so long, but what did I expect, really? I also think the prices are steep considering how little time is needed actually exploring the inside.
If someone says the inside is not as impressive as the outside, I’d have to disagree. However, this completely depends on what you are interested in and what you want to get out of your La Sagrada Familia visit. I’m a huge fan of all kinds of art and architecture, so for me going inside was almost necessary. But I do think that even those who don’t have an interest in art or religion in any way should still consider visiting the interior just to simply experience the sheer magnitude of the building from a different perspective.
Have you been inside the La Sagrada Familia? What did you think?
I visited the Sagrada Familia and was completely blown away by it. I think it’s a must-see for architecture fans, obviously, but there’s a lot for different kinds of visitors. In short, it’s a testament to faith and possibility. If it’s a budget-buster, take some time observing the exterior, then, go look at night. It’s dramatically lit and completely spectacular.
Gaudi knew it wouldn’t be finished in his lifetime, but he still had to commit his life to it. There’s something lovely and poetic about that.
I completely agree with this! I love that you say it’s a testament to faith and possibility because that is so true and I had never thought about it in such a poetic way before. Thanks for this 🙂
I was so in awe of this when I saw it and agree- definitely a testament of faith!
I know right – Photographs don’t quite do it justice!
So true!
So true! Though yours are significantly better than mine! 😉
I loved it! totally worth every penny, plus, I prebooked online to avoid the queue!
I’m glad I’m not the only one who loved it! I have been told since that you can avoid the queues by booking online – is it cheaper this way too?
I have an appointment…. Architect Francisco de Paula del Villar started the project in 1877 and he designed a neogothic church, completely different from the one we knew today. The only part he constructed was the cript. He left the project in 1883 due to disagreements with Joan Martorell architect and adviser of Josep Maria Bocabella promotor of the project. It was then when Josep Maria Bocabella asked Joan Martorell to continue with the construction, but he refused and proposed Antoni Gaudi. Gaudi accepted and designed a completely new building, with a completely new design, nothing to do with what was designed before (Gaudí was a new architect, inmersed in the newest Modernism movement).
I agree with you. This is an unique construction, there is nothing similar in all the world. It’s interior ceiling brings me rememberance how light passes thorugh treetops in the forest… better to see it with daylight!
Thanks for that info Alex, really interesting 🙂
I went to visit in the daytime so can’t account for what it would be like at night but I think the suns rays through the stained glass windows adds another dimension.
Went to the Sagrada Familia in June 2013 and wow it is awesome, the best and most memorable church I have ever seen. I can only think that Gaudi was in tune with God because it is like nothing else on earth I think!! The outside is my elaborate than the inside but the inside is amazing and stunning. I am sorry I didn’t get up one of the towers, that would have been special. The whole Basilica is a must see in Barcelona.
It is a very impressive church – definitely the most impressive I have ever seen 🙂 I completely agree that it is a must-see. Thanks for your comment!
I got a ticket for the tower and honestly, that’s half the fun! It’s only an extra 5 euros or so. You get a fantastic view of the city and get to see close up what the top and sides of the building look like! You also get to walk down the length of the tower, which has balconies throughout. It’s fantastic!
I think next time I’ll get a ticket for the tower! Thanks for the tips 🙂
Stunning building and stunning city, great article.