Sagrada familia is one of the best-known monuments of Barcelona. Moreover, it is the greatest exponent of architecture created by Gaudí. Additionally, it is now one of the most amazing Basilicas in the world.
Its construction began on the 19th of March in 1882 and it hasn’t stop growing since then. Antoni Gaudí took over the project from its original designer one year later. The architect designed an innovative and wonderful temple comprised of 18 towers, although the architect only had time to create one of them before his death. At the moment only 8 of 18 towers are built. Furthermore, Gaudí decided to dedicate 8 of them to the Apostles, 4 to the Evangelists, one to Virgin Mary and the other one to Jesus.
Above all, Gaudi’s masterpiece can still be built thank you to the maps’ preservation and people’s kind donations.
My experience visiting la Sagrada Familia(The Guided Tour with Tours for Today)
First of all let’s talk about the guided tour now. The meeting point was at a nice cafe near to the Basilica, where we met with the guide. This was the beginning of our tour. The group had around 20 people from all over the world which created a multicultural vibe. I was able to exchange ideas and opinions with people from different cultures such as people from India, Las Vegas, Portugal, South Africa or Australia.
Then we made our way to the basilica and we barely queque in the entrance. It took around 4 minutes to enter and go through the security control. After this, the staff of the monument give us a speaker connected to headphones to listen clearly to the guide.
The nativity façade
Initially the tour started from the amazing nativity façade, which is the most ornamented of the two main façades. I was astonished by the beauty of all the details designed by Gaudí. It was absolutely amazing.
It was the first one to be completed. The façade is divided in three major portals separated by two columns. Gaudí understood that he would not live to see the church’s completion. Therefore, he took this façade as a model to continue with the construction of the basilica.
The interior
My first time in the basilica was absolutely incredible and breath-taking. The lights came through the colourful stained-glass windows provided some different shades of colours which help created a cosy atmosphere.
I was really suprised with the columns, which looked like there were trees. Moreover, the pillars and arches supported by them suggested that the interior of the temple recreated a stone forest of palm trees.
The Suffering Façade
Leaving the interior of the cathedral we reached to the Suffering Façade, which was designed by Gaudí during a serious illness in 1911. It is located on the opposite side of the Nativity. Above all, It is more marked and has hard lines than the other façades. With the intention of representing the pain and final sacrifice of the Jesus’s life.
There is represented a scene with three levels that shows the history of the Suffering Way, from the supper to the death of Jesus. Three Latin words appear on this facade: Veritas, Vida and Via, because Jesus is the Way. Besides, the figures remind me of the expressionism, one of Gaudí’s favorite art direction.
You can get your tickets here to skip the line.
Or you can get the tickets with the best tour company especialised in Sagrada Familia!
HOW TO GET THERE
Mallorca Street, 401, 08013 Barcelona
Metro: L2 y L5 Sagrada Familia.
Bus: 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50, 51, B20 and B24.
SCHEDULE
From November to february: from 9am to 6pm
From April to September: from 9am to 8pm
From March to October: from 9am to 7pm
If you want to visit other places just have a look and enjoy!