Hey there, and thanks for stopping by! I love Barcelona! It’s such a great city. One of the main attractions is La Sagrada Familia. Here are some great facts on the church that you should know before visiting!

1. Construction of La Sagrada Familia began in 1882; believe it or not, it is still underway. Notice the cranes in the photos. The official website states that it should be done in 2041. Geez, I guess I will have to go back! 🙂 The original idea was Josep Bocabella’s; he wanted to symbolize the new ideas that were coming out in Spanish architecture. The first design was a traditional, neo-Gothic style. When the two could not agree on anything, Antoní Gaudí took over construction, and you could say he ran with it!

2. Antoní Gaudí dedicated more than 40 years of his life to its construction. Can you believe that? He also contributed multiple, amazing buildings to the Barcelona skyline, but in the end he spent the last 15 years of his life working continuously, and exclusively, on this project.

3. The Roman Catholic Basilica, the final project, will have 18 tall towers with the tallest reaching a height of 560 feet. It is projected to be 60 meters wide and 95 meters long. Some say he wanted them tall to represent being one with God and to be even with the mountain ranges.

4. For admission you can buy your tickets online here.

VIP TIP: Do not buy a $300.00+ tour. Trust me, there are times when I am a huge advocate of a guided tour, but this is NOT one of those times! The church has an official website where you can buy your tickets before you leave for vacation; the prices are 18.30 euros per adult and 15.30 euros for kids ages 10-18; kids under 10 are four euros.  This price is with a full-audio guide that has more information than you could ever want on the church, its construction, architecture, symbolism, and everything in between. There are cheaper tickets without the guide but my suggestion is to pay the extra one euro for the audio guide – it is very informative!

5. La Sagrada Familia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

6. The 80-meter tower represents Jesus and was included in the original Gaudí design. This tower was to be enclosed by four shorter towers that represented the four evangelists and will be topped with the animal symbols that represent each of them. A fifth tower will represent the Virgin Mary. The tops and spires will carry colorful mosaics and some will bear the words “Excelsis” and “Hosanna.” There are three decorated sides of the basilica – the Passion Decorative, Nativity Decorative, and the Glory Decorative; each side has three portals to represent faith, hope, and love.

7. Antoní Gaudí was tragically killed in a tram accident in the city! Barcelona was devastated and mourned his death. He is currently buried at the La Sagrada Family Crypt.