Sagrada Familia Guided Tours | Explore the Rich History & Architecture of Gaudi's Masterpiece
All Your Sagrada Famlia Tour Options
The Sagrada Familia stands tall as Barcelona’s most iconic monument. Envisioned by the architect Antoni Gaudi, the Basilica has been under construction since 1882, surviving revolutionary events such as the Spanish Civil War and COVID-19. The site is still not fully constructed, however, parts of it are open for public access.
On this page, learn about the various types of guided tours available to visitors, and how to choose which one is right for you.
Why Take a Guided Tour of Sagrada Familia?
- Gain insights: Local guides will be able to walk you through the glorious and lengthy history as well as the most essential characteristics of the Basilica.
- Time utility: Instead of Googling details before or after your visit, your guide will share their insights with you at the venue, help you navigate the crowds, and ensure that you don’t miss any main highlights.
- Multilingual tour guide: Guided tours are available in four languages - English, Spanish, German and French. This allows visitors to learn about the basilica in a language that is most comfortable for them.
- Fast-track access: All guided tours come with skip-the-line access, which means you can bypass the crowds, and head straight toward the monument.
- Best spots: Since the guides have hosted numerous tours, they know the right times to take you to the right spots, for example, the stained glass windows during sunset; a mesmerizing view that would be a shame to miss.
Highlights Covered on Your Sagrada Familia Guided Tours
The Towers
If you opt for the guided tour with Tower access, you would be able to access either the Nativity Tower, which would give you the opportunity to be mesmerized by its sea views on the east, or the Passion Tower, from where you can catch a glimpse of the western Barcelona skyline. The third Glory Tower isn't open to the public just yet.
More About Sagrada Familia Towers
The Facades
The Sagrada Familia towers come together form these facades. Currently, 8 of the planned 18 towers have been constructed, which forms 2 of the 3 planned Sagrada Familia facades. If you opt for a tour of the Nativity Facade, your guide will be able to enlighten you on not just the architecture, but Gaudi himself, as this was the only Facade that was built under his direction.
Discover the Sagrada Familia Facades
The Basilica Interiors
The interiors of the Basilica have been described as the Bible sculpted in stone. The interiors and exteriors of the Church are inspired by the life of Jesus Christ. On your tour, your guide will be able to explain to you the intricacies of the architecture, and the rich history of the monument.
Interiors of the Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Museum
Your guide will be able to show you charts, models, and blueprints dating back decades, all of which went into the planning and construction of the Basilica. Some of these items were salvaged from the premises when it was set on fire during the Spanish Civil War.
Visit Gaudi MuseumSagrada Familia Guided Tours vs Non-Guided Tours
Guided Tours
- The guided tours usually last an hour and a half and would be laden with information on not only the Basilica, but Gaudi and the other architects that contributed to the Basilica.
- You also have the inbuilt feature of being able to skip the queues at the ticket counter when you opt for guided tours.
- Guided tours have a fixed itinerary that includes all the highlights while giving you the information you need to truly appreciate the effort that went into constructing this masterpiece. This ensures that you will not miss out on anything important.
Non-Guided Tours
- The non-guided tours are more pocket-friendly and are usually chosen by those who would like to explore the Basilica at their own pace, as most guided tours are a group activity.
- These tours can come with a downloadable audio guide, as opposed to an in-person guide, which is available in 16 languages. However, in the instance of a poor-quality audio guide, you would miss out on imperative information on the monument.
- A general ticket will not allow you to skip the long lines and the wait can take anywhere between 30 minutes to a couple of hours.
What to Expect on a Guided Tour of Sagrada Familia?
- Once you book your guided tour of the Basilica online, you will receive a confirmation of your ticket on your phone. This e-ticket will suffice, there will be no need to print a copy - let’s keep the environment in mind!
- After confirmation of your ticket, you will be intimated on the meeting spot, usually at a landmark just outside the Basilica, where you can meet your guide and your group. This will be slightly earlier than the entry time on your ticket, to give you a lee-way in case of any unforeseen delays. The Basilica is strict about entry times, if you miss your allotted entry time, you will be required to purchase another ticket. Avoid this altogether and get there a little early.
- When you locate and familiarize yourself with your guide, they will lead you straight to the security checkpoint to enter the Basilica, at the Nativity Facade. Because you purchased your ticket online in advance, you save yourself from waiting in the ticket counter queue.
- Past the security checkpoint, your guide will immerse you in a historical and breathtaking journey of the Basilica. A guided tour is available in four languages - English, Spanish, French, and German. English guided tours are usually between 10 AM and 12 noon. Similarly, guided tours in other languages have their allotted time window.
Visitor Tips
- Tickets: Ensure you purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues at the venue and to get guaranteed access to the monument. Tickets come with different inclusions and access, so ensure you pick the right ticket.
- Punctuality: There is usually a queue for the security check that can last between 15-30 minutes, and this is applicable to all ticket holders. Do account for this while planning your arrival at the monument, as you would be denied entry if you arrive later than your scheduled ticket time.
- Dress appropriately: The Basilica is a religious Catholic monument, therefore visitors are requested to dress modestly while on the premises.
- Accessibility: Children below 11 can enter the Basilica for free, however, due to the narrow and steep on-foot descent, children under the age of 6 are not permitted to enter the Towers. You can also get a discount if you are a student entering with valid proof.
- Refreshments: All backpacks are checked at the entrance, and food and drinks are not permitted inside. It is advisable to ensure you have eaten prior to your visit, as refreshments in and around the premises can be expensive.
- Equipment: You are allowed to snap pictures of the monument on your smartphone, however, you would require prior permission if you would like to enter with professional photography equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sagrada Familia Tours
A. Yes. In-person guided tours of the Sagrada Familia are available in English, Spanish, German, and French. You can book a Sagrada Familia guided tour here.
A. You could book a tour online so you can enjoy discounts. Book Sagrada Familia guided tour tickets here.
A. Sagrada Familia guided tours can range from EUR 50 to EUR 64, depending on the inclusions in your tour.
A. You can opt for a basic guided tour without tower access or the guided tour with access to either one of the two towers open to the public. You can also choose for combo tours, that will allow you to explore more iconic attractions of Barcelona with a single ticket.
A. Depending on your ticket, the Sagrada Familia guided tour would include skip-the-line entry, an in-person local expert to guide you through, and a tour of the interiors, museum, and towers.
A. The in-person guided tours of Sagrada Familia are available in English, French, Spanish, and German. The audio guides are available in 16 languages.
A. A guided tour of the Sagrada Familia would cover the Sagrada Familia Interiors, Museum, and Towers, depending on the type of ticket you purchase.
A. The maximum number of people for a small group tour of the Sagrada Familia is 12, and for a large group tour is 30.
A. A UNESCO Heritage Site, the Sagrada Familia is known for its symbolism and marvelous intricacies. Going on a guided tour would allow you to truly immerse yourself in the monument Gaudi had envisioned.
A. Yes. With the Sagrada Familia guided tours, you can skip-the-line at the ticket counter and move straight to the security checkpoint.
A. Some Sagrada Familia guided tours have a no-refund policy, while some would provide a full refund if the tour was cancelled at least 48 hours in advance.
A. Sagrada Familia guided tours can be anywhere between 1 hour to 2.5 hours depending on the type of tour you book.
A. Yes. Infants and children under the age of 10 can avail discount on Sagrada Familia tickets. You will have to carry a valid photo ID of your child. You can also enjoy 5% cashback when you book tickets online.
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