Places to visit in Barcelona

The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, located in the heart of Barcelona, stands as one of the most remarkable masterpieces of architect Antoni Gaudí and an unmistakable symbol of the city.

Construction of the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, which began in 1882, is still ongoing, making it the longest-running architectural project in modern history.

Its innovative design and tremendous artistic value have made it a must-see in Barcelona, drawing millions of tourists every year eager to admire this ever-evolving architectural gem.

Every facade and tower is rife with religious symbolism, and its interior, lit by colorful stained glass windows, offers a magical atmosphere that leaves visitors breathless.

History and Architecture

Antoni Gaudí took over the construction of the Sagrada Familia in 1883, devoting 43 years of his life to it until his death in 1926.

Gaudí envisioned a monumental temple, as a "Bible in stone," merging faith, nature, and art.

• A project in progress: Completion is expected around 2026-2027, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudí's death.
• Papal consecration: In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI elevated it to a minor basilica, reinforcing its religious significance.

Features of the Sagrada Familia

Gaudí blended Catalan modernism with Gothic elements and organic forms, creating a unique space.

The Facades of the Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia has three main facades:

• Nativity Facade (East): Represents the birth of Jesus Christ and is the only one Gaudí saw completed in his lifetime.
• Passion Facade (West): Designed by Josep Maria Subirachs, it depicts the suffering and crucifixion of Christ.
• Glory Facade (South): Under construction. Symbolizes the Last Judgment and celestial glory.

The Towers of the Sagrada Familia

The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia will have a total of 18 towers, each with symbolic meaning:

• Tower of the Virgin Mary: It's the second tallest, at 138 meters, with a star on top lit up at night.
• Tower of Jesus: It will be the tallest, at 172.5 meters, symbolizing Christ. It's still under construction.
• 12 Apostle Towers: Representing Jesus' disciples, surrounding the main facades.
• 4 Evangelist Towers: Surround the central tower, bearing symbols of the evangelists: the lion (Mark), the bull (Luke), the eagle (John), and the man (Matthew).

From the towers, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Barcelona.

The Interior: A Forest of Stone

The tree-like columns branch out towards the ceiling, creating a forest effect.

The stained glass windows play with natural light, creating a spectacular interplay of colors that changes with the time of day.

Tickets and Hours for the Sagrada Familia

• Tickets:

  • Basic Option (without Towers):

    • The price is €26 and includes an audioguide.

    • Reduced entry, includes audioguide:

      €21 for seniors, €24 for those under 30.

  • Sagrada Familia and Towers Option:

    • The price is €36.

    • Reduced entry, includes audioguide:

      €28 for seniors, €34 for those under 30.

  • Free entry: for children under 11.

• Hours: Open every day.

  • From Monday to Friday it opens from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
  • On Sundays it opens at 10:30 am.
  • In summer, it closes later, at 8:00 pm.
  • Special hours:
    • On December 25, 26 and January 1, 6, the hours are 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Tips for Visiting the Sagrada Familia

• Tickets: To avoid lines and ensure access, buy your tickets online in advance.
• Hours: They may vary due to special events, check schedule.
• Best time: Early or late in the day to see the golden light in the stained glass.
• Book a guided tour to learn all the architectural and symbolic details.
• Climb the towers for a panoramic view of Barcelona.
• Duration: Between 2-3 hours. Don’t forget the underground museum with Gaudí’s sketches.
• Dress comfortably and respect the dress code with covered shoulders and knees.
• Don't forget your camera and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

How to Reach the Sagrada Familia

• Metro: L2 (purple) and L5 (blue), Sagrada Familia stop.
• Bus: Lines 19, 33, 34, D50, H10, B24.
• Bike or on foot: A great option to enjoy the journey through Barcelona. From the center (Plaça Catalunya) about 20-25 minutes.

Curiosities of the Sagrada Familia

• It is the most visited church in Spain and one of the world's most photographed monuments.
• Gaudí is buried in the crypt of the basilica.
• The Basilica Sagrada Familia is funded exclusively through donations and ticket sales.
• Its design is full of mathematical and geometric references. An example is the towers representing Jesus (1), the Virgin Mary (4), the evangelists (4), and the apostles (12).

What to See in Barcelona Near the Sagrada Familia

• Casa Batlló and La Pedrera: Gaudí’s masterpieces on Passeig de Gràcia.
• Park Güell: A surreal park with mosaics and city views.
• Sant Pau Recinte Modernista: A modernist hospital declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Sagrada Familia is a must-visit in Barcelona, not only for its architectural beauty but also for its historical and cultural significance.

Park Güell, located in the upper area of Barcelona, is one of Antoni Gaudí's most iconic works and a must-see for lovers of architecture and nature.

Commissioned by Eusebi Güell, this park blends modernist elements with organic forms inspired by nature. Its colorful mosaics, wavy paths, and the famous staircase with the iconic salamander make the tour a unique experience. Additionally, from its main plaza, you can enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the city.

History of Park Güell

Park Güell was conceived in the early 20th century as a luxury residential area, but the project didn't prosper and was transformed into a public park in 1926.

Designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, this space reflects the creative genius of Gaudí. Walking through its gardens and structures is like discovering the magic of his architecture, where every detail has a symbolic meaning.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's a must-visit for those who want to experience Barcelona's modernist legacy and immerse themselves in surroundings that feel straight out of a fairy tale.

What to See in Park Güell

• The Dragon Stairway

  Right at the entrance, you're greeted by the famous staircase presided over by Gaudí's Salamander, the "Dragon," a colorful figure covered in the trencadís technique or mosaic of broken ceramic tiles.

• The Hypostyle Hall

  Originally designed as a marketplace. Its ceiling is adorned with mosaics representing astrological and natural symbols.

  This impressive hall boasts 86 Doric columns that support an upper plaza, the famous Nature Square.

• Nature Square

  Surrounded by a winding mosaic bench, the longest winding bench in the world, it is one of the park's most iconic images.

  This viewpoint offers spectacular views of Barcelona, perfect for sunset photos.

• The Viaducts and Paths

  Gaudí designed paths and viaducts integrated with nature, ideal for relaxing strolls.

  It's impressive to walk along pathways lined with stone columns that mimic trees.

• Gaudí House Museum

  In this house, where the architect lived for 20 years, there are displays of furniture and objects designed by him while he resided in the park.

Tickets and Opening Hours for Park Güell

• Tickets:

  • Park Güell Ticket:

    • The price is €18.

    • Reduced entry:

      €13.50 for seniors and children aged 7 to 12.

    • Free entry for people with disabilities.

  • Park Güell + Gaudí House Museum Ticket:

    • The price is €24.

    • Reduced entry:

      €19.50 for seniors and children aged 7 to 12.

      €6 for people with disabilities.

• Free entry for children aged 0 to 6.

• Opening Hours: Open every day.

  • From 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • Attention! Admission is allowed within a 30-minute window after the time indicated on the ticket; after this period, access to the park is not possible.
  • There is no maximum duration for staying in the park.
  • In summer, it closes later, at 7:30 PM.

How to Get to Park Güell

• Metro: L3 (green), Lesseps stop, walk about 20 minutes and use the escalators on Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya.

  Attention! Do not use the L3-Vallcarca metro stop, the escalators are out of service.

• Bus: Lines H6 and D40.

  From the Travessera de Dalt stop, it's a 10-minute walk.

  It is advisable to use the escalators on Av. del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya or Larrard street.

Tips for Visiting Park Güell

• Tickets: To avoid lines and ensure access, buy your tickets online 2 or 3 days in advance.
• Opening Hours: It's recommended to check opening hours.
• Accessibility: There are routes adapted for wheelchairs and strollers. The park has steep areas and stairs.
• Best time to visit Park Güell: Early morning or at sunset to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photos.
• Weather: Barcelona has a warm climate, so it's advisable to bring water and sunscreen in summer.

Curiosities of Park Güell

• Recycled Materials: The mosaics use leftover ceramics from local construction.
• Perfect Acoustics: In the Hypostyle Hall, try the echo effect by speaking near the columns.
• From Failure to Success: Only 2 of the 60 planned houses were sold. One was purchased by Gaudí.
• Natural Inspiration: Gaudí drew inspiration from natural forms to design the park.
• Unfinished Work: 60 homes were originally planned, but only two were built.
• Movies and Pop Culture: It has appeared in various films and series due to its unique architecture.

What to See in Barcelona Near Park Güell

• Sagrada Familia: 20 minutes by bus.
• Gràcia Neighborhood: Ideal for tapas in squares like Vila de Gràcia.
• Bunkers del Carmel: Free viewpoint with spectacular views (15 min walk).

Park Güell is a jewel of modernist architecture that should not be missed in your Barcelona itinerary. With its combination of art, history, and nature, it offers a unique experience for all visitors. Pair it with a visit to the Sagrada Familia or La Pedrera to fully immerse yourself in Barcelona's modernist heritage.

Casa Batlló is a renowned building and is one of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces. There are few straight lines, and much of the façade is decorated with a colorful mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles (trencadís).

In 2005, Casa Batlló became a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The Gothic Quarter is the center of the old city. The quarter was built primarily in the late 19th and early 20th century, though several buildings date from medieval times. Remains of the squared Roman Wall can be seen. The medieval Jewish quarter, is located within this area too.

The Barri Gòtic retains a labyrinthine street plan, with many small streets opening out into squares. Most of the quarter is closed to regular traffic.