About La Sagrada Familia:
There are many sites here for Catholic travelers, perhaps the most well known being the Sagrada Familia (Church of the Holy Family). It is one of the longest construction projects in the world, having begun in 1882 and still under construction today. Yet it is visited by millions of people each year.
The magnificent design by Antoni Gaudi and the stained glass windows draw pilgrims and tourists alike.
The outside as you can see is heavily Gothic, with 18 towers: 12 representing the 12 apostles; four representing the four evangelists; one designated for the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the last one, the highest one in the center, representing Jesus Christ. The interior is quite different and hard to describe, other than to say it is impressively beautiful and peaceful.
About Antonio Gaudi:
The architect of Sagrada Familia basilica, has been declared Venerable by the Catholic Church.Though not initially devout, Gaudí is said to have undergone a spiritual conversion while working on the Sagrada Familia. As the work on the basilica progressed, Gaudí became known for his fasting, asceticism, and devotion to God. In the final 14 years of his life, he devoted himself entirely to the basilica and rejected all other commissions.
He was struck by a tram in Barcelona on June 7, 1926, while walking to confession and died three days later.
Gaudí is buried in the crypt of the Sagrada Familia. Antonio Gaudi was declared Venerable by Pope Francis in April 2025.
Of the basilica’s three main facades, only the Nativity Façade was completed during his lifetime. The Passion Façade was built later based on his designs, and the Glory Façade remains unfinished.
The current plan is to have the construction completed by 2026, which will mark the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death.
On November 7, 2010 Pope Benedict XVI visited La Sagrada Familia, declaring it a Basilica and officiating at a solemn mass
Visiting La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona:
The Archdiocese of Barcelona holds an international mass (various languages) at the Basilica of the Sagrada Família on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. Check their website for times. There is no charge for attending Mass, but capacity is limited. The entrance to the Basilica is on the Nativity façade (Carrer de la Marina).
Attendees are asked to dress appropriately and behave respectfully. Groups of more than 25 must register in advance. For any other questions regarding the international masses, please contact the liturgical head of masses at missainternacional@sagradafamilia.org.
The Basilica of La Sagrada Familia is hard to miss….and there is a large plaza in front from which you can view the exterior.
Address: C/ de Mallorca, 401, L’Eixample, 08013 Barcelona, Spain
Click here for the official website of the Basilica of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
You will need to tickets to get in: you can wait in line (could be over an hour) or buy them online. There is an audio guide available that is highly recommended.
Click here for the official website in English.
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