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Marvel at Gaudi's Masterpiece, the Stunning Sagrada Família Cathedral
Published by Maya Franciszkiewicz, Writer
Country: Spain 
The Experience
It is virtually impossible to visit the vibrant, art-infused city of Barcelona and not be drawn into the captivating world of Gaudi (Antoni Gaudi i Cornet), the creator of Spain's most famed monument: La Sagrada Familia.
Your first taste of the historical significance held by this man and his work will be the hundreds of miniature replicas of La Sagrada familia, which are crammed onto shelves of the gift shops lining the main street of Barcelona: La Rambla. Apart from every hostel and hotel offering a “Gaudi Tour,” there were also the more in-depth and (dare I say more accurate) historical Sagrada Familia tours for those willing to spend a bit more for a museum-quality tour dedicated to Gaudi. You should be able to find a free walking tour led by a Catalan native very well versed and highly informed in both the man Gaudi and the history of his architectural influence in Catalonia (which is one of many autonomous provinces in Spain, and includes Barcelona, Girona, Lleida and Tarragona). Most tours commence in Placa Reial, where Gaudi’s first commissioned work stands in the form of a lamppost. Even in his early work, his distinct, neo-gothic and nature-inspired style is apparent. The Gaudi tours will lead you to many, very impressive structures designed by this revolutionary architect; but non as awe-inspiring as the Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família.
Most tours conclude with the Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família in a highly climactic way. Upon exiting the metro stop named after the masterpiece, the full splendour of this cathedral is in sight. Construction of the Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família commenced in 1882, and Gaudi took over creative and architectural leadership in 1883 after producing a small scale model of the vibrant and colourful building. Following his death in 1926, the historical society had gone to great lengths to ensure the Sagrada Família Cathedral was built according to Gaudi's original vision. The entire structure consists of eighteen bell towers, each representing a significant figure of the Catholic faith, including Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
Gaudi had a distinct plan for every stone which made up the building, and this is partly the reason why it has taken decades to build (the estimated date of completion is 2026). The colourful facades and beautifully carved exterior walls tell the history of the Catholic faith and of the life of Jesus Christ. As you walk around the outside of Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, each turn reveals a new story and each tower is seemingly more intricate then the last. The style could be best described as a combination of modern gothic design with a clear inspiration drawn from nature, giving the cathedral an organic quality. Inside, the building is just as impressive. Although still under construction, the interior has a magical and organic aura which makes you feel as though you are inside a giant living creature. The colourful, kaleidoscopic stained-glass windows cast beautiful designs on the white supporting columns, which bare resemblance to tall palm trees. Though Sagrada Familia tickets cost about 12 euro to enter, it is well worth it as you can watch the stone masons carefully carving each stone in the fashion Gaudi himself had instructed. As Sagrada Familia was also deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980, it has gained huge popularity with tourists and history buffs alike. To stand in front of this structure and imagine the hours of painstakingly intricate stone masonry which went into this grand creation, is a truly awe-inspiring experience that cannot be missed.
Your first taste of the historical significance held by this man and his work will be the hundreds of miniature replicas of La Sagrada familia, which are crammed onto shelves of the gift shops lining the main street of Barcelona: La Rambla. Apart from every hostel and hotel offering a “Gaudi Tour,” there were also the more in-depth and (dare I say more accurate) historical Sagrada Familia tours for those willing to spend a bit more for a museum-quality tour dedicated to Gaudi. You should be able to find a free walking tour led by a Catalan native very well versed and highly informed in both the man Gaudi and the history of his architectural influence in Catalonia (which is one of many autonomous provinces in Spain, and includes Barcelona, Girona, Lleida and Tarragona). Most tours commence in Placa Reial, where Gaudi’s first commissioned work stands in the form of a lamppost. Even in his early work, his distinct, neo-gothic and nature-inspired style is apparent. The Gaudi tours will lead you to many, very impressive structures designed by this revolutionary architect; but non as awe-inspiring as the Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família.
Most tours conclude with the Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família in a highly climactic way. Upon exiting the metro stop named after the masterpiece, the full splendour of this cathedral is in sight. Construction of the Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família commenced in 1882, and Gaudi took over creative and architectural leadership in 1883 after producing a small scale model of the vibrant and colourful building. Following his death in 1926, the historical society had gone to great lengths to ensure the Sagrada Família Cathedral was built according to Gaudi's original vision. The entire structure consists of eighteen bell towers, each representing a significant figure of the Catholic faith, including Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
Gaudi had a distinct plan for every stone which made up the building, and this is partly the reason why it has taken decades to build (the estimated date of completion is 2026). The colourful facades and beautifully carved exterior walls tell the history of the Catholic faith and of the life of Jesus Christ. As you walk around the outside of Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, each turn reveals a new story and each tower is seemingly more intricate then the last. The style could be best described as a combination of modern gothic design with a clear inspiration drawn from nature, giving the cathedral an organic quality. Inside, the building is just as impressive. Although still under construction, the interior has a magical and organic aura which makes you feel as though you are inside a giant living creature. The colourful, kaleidoscopic stained-glass windows cast beautiful designs on the white supporting columns, which bare resemblance to tall palm trees. Though Sagrada Familia tickets cost about 12 euro to enter, it is well worth it as you can watch the stone masons carefully carving each stone in the fashion Gaudi himself had instructed. As Sagrada Familia was also deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980, it has gained huge popularity with tourists and history buffs alike. To stand in front of this structure and imagine the hours of painstakingly intricate stone masonry which went into this grand creation, is a truly awe-inspiring experience that cannot be missed.
When to Go to Sagrada Familia
The most ideal time to visit La Segrada Familia Cathedral is in the spring to early summer. The climate is ideal at this time of year, and you can usually avoid the throngs of tourists who will arrive in the high summer months of July and August. Though the Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família can be seen year round, the interior does close periodically due to construction, so be advised to check before booking your trip. For those looking for a more intimate experience, the off season winter months of November to February will offer less tourists, though it may be more difficult to find a free walking tour as it does get quite cold. The estimated date of completion is 2026, but the fact that it is unfinished does not take away from the experience of seeing this stunning site.
Odds n' Ends
There are many different Sagrada Familia tours offered. Consider the level of energy needed as walking tours are quite lengthy and tiring, and therefore, may not be the best option for families with small children and people with physical limitations. A great company offering free walking tours is Runnerbean tours.
Bike tours are also another great way to see more and explore more parts of Barcelona in a shorter time.
Bike tours are also another great way to see more and explore more parts of Barcelona in a shorter time.
Places to Stay Nearby
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The Feelathome Apartments II is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Barcelona.The Feelathome Apartments II boasts a convenient location with modern amenities ... 0 miles away
$78 EUR+
Feelathome Gaudi Apartment is located on the first floor of a small two floors building. It has been completely refurbished in 2006 and tastefully decorated ... 0 miles away
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