A Detailed Guide to Attending the Holy Mass at Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Família is a one-of-a-kind temple. The church, designed by Antoni Gaudi, is the largest unfinished Roman Catholic church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While 140 years have passed since the laying of the foundation, the construction of the Basilica is still ongoing, in November 2010, Sagrada Familia was consecrated and proclaimed a minor basilica.
As a functioning Catholic church, masses are held here on a regular basis. While experiencing the architectural grandeur and learning about the historical significance of the church is one way of exploring the Basilica, attending a mass here is another way to witness the church in all its glory. It might also be interesting to note that attending the mass is the only way to visit the Sagrada Familia for free. On this page, you can find all the information you need to be able to attend the solemn service.
Attending the Sagrada Familia Mass
Masses are held every week on Sundays at the Sagrada Familia. International Masses are conducted in various languages and can be attended for free. However, given the popularity of the church, it is safe to assume that church gets full quickly Make it a point to arrive early to attend the service. Arriving at least 45 minutes prior to the scheduled start time is a safe choice.
The church also hosts extraordinary Masses. These can be attended by invitation only. There's a calendar of masses which publishes information on the mass. You can check this page to learn how to get an invitation.
Where is Mass Held at Sagrada Familia?
There are two altars at the Sagrada Familia church: The Main Altar and the Crypt Altar. Masses are held at both. The international mass is at the main altar. You can enter using the entrance on the Nativity façade (Carrer de la Marina).
Masses are also held daily in Catalan and Spanish at the Crypt of the Sagrada Familia. You can gain access to this altar via 318 Sardenya Street.
Sagrada Familia Mass Timings
- International Masses: Every Sunday at 9 AM.
- Crypt Masses: Monday to Sunday, 9 AM (Catalan) and 8 PM (Spanish). On Sunday and days of festivities 9 AM, 11:45 AM, and 8 PM (Spanish); 10.30 AM, 1 PM, 6:30 PM (Catalan).
- Extraordinary Masses: Take a look at the calendar of masses for the schedule.
Types of Mass at Sagrada Familia
International Masses
The Archdiocese of Barcelona holds an international mass every Sunday at the Sagrada Família. The service is conducted in various languages. These masses can be attended for free, however, capacity is limited and hence, you are advised to arrive early. Attendees must dress properly and behave according to the solemnity of the occasion.
Crypt Masses
The Crypt was the first part of the church to be built and has been in use since the early 1900s. The crypt, apart from being the burial place of Gaudi, is also where Our lady of Montserrat (The Black Madonna) is situated. Masses are held daily twice, here. However, masses are always celebrated in Catalan and Spanish.
Extraordinary Masses
Throughout the year the Sagrada Familia hosts extraordinary mass on special occasions. These masses can only be attended by invitation. The information regarding this would be published on the calendar of masses at the start of the year. However, if you don't manage to get an invite, you can catch it online as some of the extraordinary masses are live streamed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Attending Sagrada Familia Mass
A. Yes, anyone can attend a mass at Sagrada Familia. They are free to attend, however, the church does get crowded, so if you want to attend, you should arrive early.
A. No, you don't have to pay to attend the international mass at Sagrada Familia. However, to attend the extraordinary masses you will need to be invited.
A. Attending mass is a solemn ocassion and all attendees must adhere to the dress code in place to show their respect.
A. The international masses at Sagrada Familia are conducted in various languages including English.
A. The mass at Sagrada Familia is held at both, the Main Altar and at the Crypt.
A. The Sagrada Familia mass timings vary. International masses are held every Sunday at 9 AM, while the crypt masses are held Monday to Sunday, at 9 AM and 8 PM and on Sundays and festive days at 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 1 PM, 6:30 PM and 8 PM.
