La Sagrada Familia (Basilica of the Holy Family), Barcelona (must see)
The Basilica and Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family, commonly known as La Sagrada Fam铆lia, is an iconic, unfinished church in Barcelona designed by Catalan Modernist architect Antoni Gaud铆. Construction began in 1882 with architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, who envisioned a Gothic revival-style church. Upon taking over the project in 1883, Gaud铆 transformed the design into a unique blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. Despite spending an impressive 43 years of his life designing this monument, by the time of Gaud铆's death in 1926, only 15-25% of the basilica had been completed.
Relied on private donations, the construction has faced multiple interruptions like the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. Modern technology has sped up the progress, however, and the church is now set to be finished by 2026, with further decorative work expected until 2034.
The Sagrada Fam铆lia features eighteen planned spires symbolizing the Twelve Apostles, four Evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ. Thirteen spires have been completed so far. The basilica鈥檚 three fa莽ades鈥攖he Nativity, Passion, and Glory鈥攅ach represent different phases of Christ鈥檚 life and showcase a blend of naturalistic and minimalist styles.
The interior, designed as a Latin cross with five aisles, showcases Gaud铆鈥檚 mastery of geometry and organic forms. The central nave vaults reach 45 meters, while the apse vault extends to 75 meters. The columns, which change shape as they rise, contribute to the basilica鈥檚 distinct look. Gaud铆's use of hyperboloid structures and ruled surfaces enhances both the stability and aesthetic appeal of the building.
As of 2017, visitors can book tickets online to access various parts of the basilica, including the Nave, Crypt, and museum, as well as the Passion and Nativity steeples. A visit to the steeples includes a challenging descent through a narrow spiral staircase of over 300 steps. Also of note is the museum below, offering a wealth of information, including audiovisual presentations about the Sagrada Fam铆lia project's history, plans, and Gaud铆 himself. You may also want to visit the small school built by Antoni Gaud铆 for the children of the construction workers right on the site.
Once completed, the Sagrada Fam铆lia is to become the tallest church in the world and a lasting testament to Gaud铆鈥檚 vision of blending architecture, nature, and spirituality.
Tip:
Please note that children under 6 are not permitted to ascend the towers; some adults may find the spiral staircase challenging too. If you decide to climb, ask the staff for directions to the "backside elevator", as it is usually less crowded.
Relied on private donations, the construction has faced multiple interruptions like the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. Modern technology has sped up the progress, however, and the church is now set to be finished by 2026, with further decorative work expected until 2034.
The Sagrada Fam铆lia features eighteen planned spires symbolizing the Twelve Apostles, four Evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ. Thirteen spires have been completed so far. The basilica鈥檚 three fa莽ades鈥攖he Nativity, Passion, and Glory鈥攅ach represent different phases of Christ鈥檚 life and showcase a blend of naturalistic and minimalist styles.
The interior, designed as a Latin cross with five aisles, showcases Gaud铆鈥檚 mastery of geometry and organic forms. The central nave vaults reach 45 meters, while the apse vault extends to 75 meters. The columns, which change shape as they rise, contribute to the basilica鈥檚 distinct look. Gaud铆's use of hyperboloid structures and ruled surfaces enhances both the stability and aesthetic appeal of the building.
As of 2017, visitors can book tickets online to access various parts of the basilica, including the Nave, Crypt, and museum, as well as the Passion and Nativity steeples. A visit to the steeples includes a challenging descent through a narrow spiral staircase of over 300 steps. Also of note is the museum below, offering a wealth of information, including audiovisual presentations about the Sagrada Fam铆lia project's history, plans, and Gaud铆 himself. You may also want to visit the small school built by Antoni Gaud铆 for the children of the construction workers right on the site.
Once completed, the Sagrada Fam铆lia is to become the tallest church in the world and a lasting testament to Gaud铆鈥檚 vision of blending architecture, nature, and spirituality.
Tip:
Please note that children under 6 are not permitted to ascend the towers; some adults may find the spiral staircase challenging too. If you decide to climb, ask the staff for directions to the "backside elevator", as it is usually less crowded.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Barcelona. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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La Sagrada Familia (Basilica of the Holy Family) on Map
Sight Name: La Sagrada Familia (Basilica of the Holy Family)
Sight Location: Barcelona, Spain (See walking tours in Barcelona)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Barcelona, Spain (See walking tours in Barcelona)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Barcelona, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Barcelona
Creating your own self-guided walk in Barcelona is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Gothic Quarter Walking Tour
A walk through the Gothic Quarter 鈥� Barcelona鈥檚 oldest part, dating from the Roman era 鈥� is like a journey through time. The typical Roman grid plan is still visible in the quarter's layout. Only a few roads are open for car traffic, so there is little in the way of enjoying the narrow, atmospheric streets filled with high-quality architecture, numerous boutiques, and coffee shops.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Barcelona Shopping Walk
A long-time prime cultural destination, Barcelona is also en route to becoming one of Europe's top shopping spots. Each new day, fashionable designer stores, from well-known international brands to local start-ups, are filling the city streets. If you're a fan of shopping, you're in for a treat when visiting this beautiful city. Here are some of the most popular shopping locations... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Barcelona Food Tasting Walking Tour
No one should visit Barcelona without making an attempt to get acquainted with some of Spain鈥檚 best food 鈥� Catalan food. An abundance of fresh fish and superb meat, a plethora of great vegetables, plus local inventiveness, have produced a very diverse, distinctive and delicious cuisine, including the famous (and trendy) tapas dishes.
Follow this self-guided walk to treat your taste buds in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Follow this self-guided walk to treat your taste buds in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
La Ribera Walking Tour
La Ribera is a culturally rich, historic area of Barcelona鈥檚 Old Town; somewhat less touristy than the Gothic Quarter (which one should really visit as well) and quite unspoiled, authentic and pretty. Centuries ago, it was a very well-to-do neighborhood inhabited by aristocrats, merchants, wealthy sailors, and Jewish money-lenders. Today, it is regarded as the Soho of Barcelona 鈥� a popular... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Barcelona Introduction Walking Tour
According to legend, Barcelona was founded by the mythological Greek hero Hercules on one of his expeditions, when a storm hit his boats. The first eight boats managed to escape without damage, but the ninth was lost at sea. Hercules found his lost friends some days later on the coast, all safe and sound. The boat's crew, taken by the beauty of the coastal landscape, decided to stay. On that... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.7 Km or 3.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.7 Km or 3.5 Miles
Antoni Gaud铆's Masterpieces Walking Tour
Antoni Gaudi, a seminal figure in the Catalan Modernism movement, is one of the top architects of the 20th century. The unique technique and use of natural forms in his works stand out from the pack and have left an indelible mark on the face of Barcelona.
Our journey through Gaudi's Barcelona begins at the G眉ell Palace, by far the most budget-friendly of his projects. Located near La... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Our journey through Gaudi's Barcelona begins at the G眉ell Palace, by far the most budget-friendly of his projects. Located near La... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
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