The Expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Familia, known simply as the Sagrada Familia, is undoubtedly Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece and the greatest example of Catalan modernist architecture. It is not only one of the most visited monuments in Spain, together with the Prado Museum and the Alhambra of Granada, and the most visited church in Europe after St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, but also the ultimate symbol of Barcelona.

Construction of the basilica began in 1882, and one year later Antoni Gaudí was appointed director of the project. He worked on it for more than 40 years, until his death in 1926. The general plan and his extensive studies of the project, based on the use of innovative naturalistic geometric forms, are the foundation upon which the temple’s architects continue working today.

Eight of the twelve bell towers on the façades, each over 100 meters high and dedicated to the apostles, have already been built. Still to be constructed are the four bell towers of the Glory Façade, the central tower of 170 meters in honor of Jesus Christ, the tower of the Virgin Mary (125 m), and those of the four evangelists. The vaults of the main nave are completed, and work is currently focused mainly on the crossing, transepts, and apse area.

Built under the concept of an expiatory temple, it has been financed from the beginning exclusively through private donations, and this continues today thanks to contributions from faithful followers and admirers of the work.

The temple, notable for its pioneering design and rich symbolism, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

The Sagrada Familia offers visitors the opportunity throughout the year to explore both its interior and its crypt. In addition, weather permitting, visitors can also access each of the eight towers currently standing.

The Interior: General access for visits to the interior of the temple is located at the Nativity Façade on Marina Street. The first thing that surprises visitors once inside are the tall columns of its vast transept, from where one can admire the impressive apse, which also serves as the access point to the crypt, where Gaudí’s tomb is located.

The Towers: The Sagrada Familia currently has eight completed towers, four on each façade. It should be noted that the façades are not connected, so they have separate entrances. Access to the towers is only possible by elevator, with one elevator on each façade. Tickets for the elevator are not included in the entrance fee and can be purchased at the ticket offices (with an assigned time slot to avoid queues).

The towers can only be accessed when weather conditions are favorable, meaning there is no safety risk from strong winds or rain. In addition, children under the age of six are not allowed to access the towers, and those under fourteen must be accompanied by an adult. People with reduced mobility or in wheelchairs are also not permitted to access the towers.

To avoid last-minute surprises, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance. This ensures a more comfortable visit to the temple and helps avoid the long lines usually found at the ticket offices.