The work of famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí is more of an experience than something to simply look at. When I first caught a glimpse of La Sagrada Familia in the distance, I felt like my body was filling up with a childlike wonder and awe.
How could a man conceive of something so bizarre and gorgeous, intricate and grand? And then actually enable it to be built?
During my week in Barcelona, I experienced La Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, and Casa Vicens. I paid the entry fees for the first two and just enjoyed the exterior of the latter. Note that the exterior of Casa Batlló was covered in scaffolding during my trip, which is why it’s not included here.
In this post, I share photos of my favorite site La Sagrada Familia.
La Sagrada Familia: Outside
La Sagrada Familia: Climbing the Tower
La Sagrada Familia: Inside
Tips for Visiting La Sagrada Familia
I was not expecting the very expensive entry fees for the famous sites and museums of Barcelona. It is worth a little research and planning to see if the Barcelona City Pass or the Barcelona Card will save you money.
If you have to choose only one Gaudí site, I would pay to enter La Sagrada Familia. It is a completely different and amazing experience to be inside. I paid to go up in the tower, and I felt it was worth it. Get the audio guide (it’s included in the fee anyways), so you can fully appreciate the choices Gaudí made.
A few more tips:
- Book in advance. Time slots do sell out, especially if you are visiting during high season and on the weekend.
- The colorful stained glass windows are supposed to give you the best light closer to sunset, as Gaudí wanted it to be experienced.
- Give yourself at least a couple of hours, so you can explore the outside, the inside, and the on-site museum. You won’t want to feel rushed.
- Visit twice at different times of day to see both sides in the sunlight. The Nativity Facade (more intricate) faces the East, and the Passion Facade (more austere) faces the West.
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