During a visit to Barcelona, regardless of your faith, a trip to the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia should be on your itinerary. This Gaudi ‘builder of God’ masterpiece features tree-like interiors and the most wonderful stained glassed window -which looks even more amazing when the sun hits it.
Avoid making common mistakes and read our guide on tips to know before you go.
Where is the Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is located at Carrer de Mallorca (401),which is a 40-minute walk from the vibrant La Rambla and the quaint Gothic Quarter. You can easily walk to many of the city’s main attractions. For example, it takes about twenty minutes to walk to Casa Mila, twenty-five minutes to walk to Casa Batlló, and twenty-five minutes to walk to Park Güell. Furthermore, La Sagrada Familia is only an 11-minute walk from the lesser-known Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, which is situated at Carrier de Sant Quinti, 89.
There are busses available to take you to different areas, however by walking you see a lot more of Barcelona.
How to Get to the Sagrada Familia
Walking to the Sagrada Familia is easy, by doing so you will discover so much more. I found that we discovered more while on foot.
If you prefer to use the public transport system, there are three options.
Barcelona Metro
The Metro is the easy option for getting around. The L2 and L5 lines have convenient stops close to the Sagrada Familia. You can purchase a ten trip ticket for 10 euros. This is a great option if you are staying for a little while. All ticket machines have an English option to make it easier.
To get though the barriers, you will need your ticket so make sure to keep hold of it. Navigating the metro is pretty simple as each station displays the lines and the stop it serves.
Busses in Barcelona
Numerous buses, including 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50 (fast), 51, B20, and B24. València-Lepant is the stop. You can then walk to the Sagrada Familia in about four minutes.
Tourist Bus
There are hop on hop of busses that you can buy a ticket for. These will stop of at many attractions including the Sagrada Familia.
La Sagrada Familia Opening Hours
Since the Church is open all year round, it’s a great choice for people who want to avoid the heat and crowds during off-peak hours. Given that it is open on Christmas Day, it presents a special opportunity for Christians travelling in December. However, the opening hours of La Sagrada Familia change with the seasons:
- November through February: 9 am to 6 pm
- March and October: 9 am to 7 pm
- April through September: 9 am to 8 pm
- 25/26 December, 1/6 January: 9 am to 2 pm
Sagrada Familia Ticket Information
If you must buy tickets on the day then you need to purchase them at least 30 minuets prior to closing. The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona’s most visited attraction. I recommend you book your ticked in advance if you can. They are plenty of website where you purchase tickets in advance and with a time slot. During the busier times of year tickets sell out quickly. So make sure you get your tickets to ensure you get to see this amazing building.
Sagrada Familia Audio Guide
When you visit the Sagrada Familia you have the option of an audio tour – these are free. It is very informative. The guide tells your a lot of information and highlights things you may have not noticed. The audio guide tells you about the history of Gaudi and an architect and about the materials used. You will also discover more information about the Nativity and Passion facades.
La Sagrada Familia is not a Cathedral
Although often referred to as a cathedral or a church it is actually a Basilica that was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI rhus making is scared.
Familia is actually a Minor Basilica that Pope Benedict XVI consecrated, making it sacred. People of all faiths are welcome, and it has special privileges from the Pope because of this title. There are places set aside for prayer, and the Archdiocese of Barcelona celebrates mass every Sunday and on holy days of obligation. As with any other place of worship, it is important to dress respectfully when visiting, regardless of your beliefs (no revealing tops, short skirts, or shorts).
Sagrada Familia is actually a Minor Basilica that Pope Benedict XVI consecrated, making it sacred. People of all faiths are welcome, and it has special privileges from the Pope because of this title. There are places set aside for prayer, and the Archdiocese of Barcelona celebrates mass every Sunday and on holy days of obligation. As with any other place of worship, it is important to dress respectfully when visiting, regardless of your beliefs (no revealing tops, short skirts, or shorts). the church has been awarded special privileges by the Pope.People of all faiths are naturally welcome to La Sagrada Familia. There are areas set aside for prayer.Every Sunday and during holy days of obligation, mass is held by the Archdiocese of Barcelona.Regardless of religious belief, when visiting you have to dress appropriately, as you would entering any place of worship.
When visiting Barcelona The Sagrada Familia is a must see tourist attraction in Barcelona.