Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Gaudi's Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona and one of the most unique churches in the world. Designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí, this towering basilica has been under construction for over 130 years, and it's still not completed yet. Despite its unfinished state, Sagrada Familia is a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Barcelona.
In this article we'll take a look at 10 curiosities of Sagrada Familia that you might not know. From its fascinating history to its intricate design details we'll explore the quirks and secrets of this iconic monument.
But before we dive into the curiosities, it's essential to know some tips for visiting Sagrada Familia. With millions of visitors every year, it's crucial to plan your visit in advance to make the most of your time and avoid the crowds. In this article we'll provide you with some useful tips on the best time to visit, how to skip the queues, and how to make the most of your visit to Sagrada Familia.
Let's start exploring the fascinating curiosities of Sagrada Familia and discover why it's worth visiting this awe-inspiring monument.
10 Curiosities of Sagrada Familia
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The project has been ongoing for over a century, and is still under construction!
The project to build the Sagrada Familia began in 1882, and has been ongoing for over 139 years. It was originally commissioned by a local bookbinder Josep Maria Bocabella who wanted to build a new church in Barcelona that would rival the great cathedrals of Europe.
Despite being under construction for over a century, the Sagrada Familia is still not complete. Construction is expected to be finished in 2026 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death.
The Sagrada Familia has been under construction for over 140 years and it is not expected to be completed until 2026, which will mark the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death. The project has been funded entirely by private donations, and construction has been slowed by various factors including the Spanish Civil War and the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Gaudi was not the original architect
Francesc de Paula del Villar was the original architect of the Sagrada Familia but he resigned shortly after the project began. Antoni Gaudi, who was only 31 years old at the time, took over as the lead architect in 1883.
Gaudi dedicated the majority of his professional life to the Sagrada Familia working on the project for over 40 years until his death in 1926. At the time of his death less than a quarter of the project had been completed.
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The cathedral was damaged during the Spanish Civil War
The Sagrada Familia suffered significant damage during the Spanish Civil War in the late 1930s, when anarchists set fire to the crypt and destroyed much of Gaudi's original plans and models for the cathedral. Work on the project was put on hold for several years as a result.
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The cathedral has three facades and 18 towers
The Sagrada Familia has three facades: the Nativity facade the Passion facade, and the Glory facade. Each facade represents a different phase in the life of Jesus and features intricate sculptures and symbols related to that phase.
When complete the Sagrada Familia will have 18 towers each representing a different figure from the Bible. The tallest tower will be 172.5 metres (566 feet) tall, making it the tallest religious structure in Europe.
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The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Sagrada Familia was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, in recognition of its cultural and architectural significance. It attracts millions of visitors each year from around the world.
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The cathedral has a unique design
The design of the Sagrada Familia is unique, and incorporates a number of unusual architectural features including hyperboloid structures, catenary arches, and paraboloids. Gaudi was known for his use of organic shapes and forms, which are evident throughout the cathedral.
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Height of the Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia will be the tallest church in the world once completed, standing at a height of 172.5 meters (566 feet) tall. This is taller than any other church in the world, including St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
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The Nativity Facade
The Nativity Facade is the only facade of the Sagrada Familia that was completed during Gaudi's lifetime. It was designed in a Gothic style, and features scenes from the birth of Jesus Christ. This facade is considered to be the most beautiful and intricate of the three facades.
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The Passion Facade
The Passion Facade was the second facade to be completed, and it was designed by sculptor Josep Maria Subirachs. This facade is dedicated to the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, and features stark, angular sculptures that are meant to evoke the harshness of Christ's sacrifice.
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The Glory Facade
The Glory Facade is the final facade of the Sagrada Familia, and it is currently under construction. It will be the largest and most complex of the three facades featuring images of the Last Judgment and the Glory of God. The facade will be completed with an immense central tower dedicated to Jesus Christ.
Tips for visiting Sagrada Familia
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Best time to visit
The best time to visit Sagrada Familia is in the early morning or late afternoon when the crowds are smaller. It is also recommended to visit during the weekdays instead of weekends.
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Buy tickets in advance
To avoid long queues, it is recommended to buy tickets in advance online. This will also give you the advantage of selecting a specific time slot that suits your schedule.
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Consider a guided tour
A guided tour can provide you with more insight into the history and architecture of the basilica. They can also help you skip the queues and get the most out of your visit.
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Be respectful
Sagrada Familia is a religious monument so it is important to dress appropriately and behave respectfully. Do not use flash photography or talk loudly inside the basilica.
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Check for special offers
Sagrada Familia often has special offers and discounts for students, seniors, and other groups. Check their website or ask at the ticket office to see if you qualify for any of these offers.
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Plan your visit around events
Sagrada Familia hosts various events throughout the year including concerts and religious ceremonies. Check their website to see if any events coincide with your visit and plan accordingly.
Sagrada Familia is a unique and awe-inspiring monument that deserves a place on every traveler's itinerary. From its fascinating history to its incredible design details, there's no shortage of curiosities to explore. By following our tips for visiting, you can make the most of your time at this iconic landmark and fully appreciate its grandeur and beauty. So, whether you're a fan of architecture, art, or history, Sagrada Familia is a must-see attraction that will leave you amazed and inspired.
Are you planning to visit Barcelona?
This article is part from Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Barcelona. In case you're planning to travel to Barcelona don't miss out on our recommendations for interesting places to see.