Sagrada Familia

Gaudí's towering architectural achievement, and the most iconic building in Barcelona.

Work in progress

The Sagrada Familia is a huge Christian church dedicated to the Holy Family in Barcelona. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, and consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI himself in an elaborate ceremony - despite the fact that it is still unfinished. 


Building began in the 1880s and has been carried out intermittently since, as its construction relied heavily on private donations and was also interrupted by various cultural and political events throughout the years; a couple of inconvenient world wars and the Spanish Civil War were chief among the disturbances. 


Great heights

The lead architect on the project was Antoni Gaudí, who combined the drama of Gothic and Byzantine architecture with the fluidity of Art Nouveau in his ambitious designs. The result is an otherworldly Basilica that looks like a hybrid of Christian cathedral and fairytale palace.


The three façades, representing the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ, are peopled by extraordinary angular figures. Its eighteen lofty towers represent the Twelve Apostles, the Virgin Mary, the Four Evangelists, and, tallest of all, a central tower dedicated to Jesus Christ. Their hierarchy and symbolism emphasise elevation towards God; expressive form is married to divine function. While Gaudí wished to make an impact on the Barcelona skyline, he believed that the work of man should never supercede the work of God - so despite an impressive 172.5m, the building is just shy of the height of Montjuïc, the highest point in the municipality of Barcelona.


Gaudí took his time over the building - stating that his client, God, was in no rush - and left it roughly 25% complete on his death in 1926. It is now not expected to be finished until 2026, which would total 144 years of construction. Since 2010 the nave of the church has been available for use in religious services, though visitors today will probably still see cranes and scaffolding around the outer façade of the huge Basilica. The Sagrada Familia has a remarkable story, and will only increase in grandeur over the coming years: it is truly an extraordinary sight.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Barcelona
Casa Milà
This magnificent house with its undulating façade was Gaudí's last civil project.
Casa Batlló
Yet another Gaudí treasure, Casa Batlló is a masterpiece of colour and light.
Glòries Tower Observation Deck
Located in the Clot neighbourhood and designed by Jean Nouvel, is considered one of the symbols of contemporary Barcelona with 360° views of the city.
Palau de la Musica
This beautiful concert hall is designed in the Catalan modernista style by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
Tapas
Fast food - the Spanish way.
Cascada Monumental
Huge fountain in the Parc de la Ciutadella

Related Tours

Barcelona in a Day: Private Full-Day Highlights Walking Tour

Discover the best of Barcelona, from its famous Ramblas to the iconic Sagrada Familia, and explore its most famous highlights, panoramas and some well-hidden gems in a day!

On your private tour you will:

  • Experience the perfect combination of walking and driving to see the most popular landmarks, breathtaking views and famous neighbourhoods of Barcelona;
  • Enjoy a leisurely private walking tour of Barcelona’s historical Gothic Quarter
  • Walk along La Rambla and get immersed in the city vibes;
  • Refill energies with a lunch break before heading in the afternoon part of this tour;
  • Hop on your private car to take a panoramic driving tour and enjoy wonderful views as you head towards Montjüic;
  • Pass by Plaza España, the Olympic ring and Mirador del Alcalde and see the castle from the outside;
  • Continue your way in your private car along Passeig de Gracia with brief stops outside: Casa Milá and Casa Batlló, both designed by Gaudi, Barcelona’s darling and most famous architect;
  • Visit Park Güell, a beautiful hill-top park overlooking Barcelona where you will see Gaudi’s house, the aqueducts, the terrace and the market;
  • End your tour at La Sagrada Familia with a guided tour of the interior of this famous UNESCO-listed site


Barcelona has become a popular tourist destination for visitors around the world as it is home to some of the world’s most unique and beautiful historical buildings and sites, delicious food, and vibrant culture, not to mention the amazing 4km of beaches. Its’ warm and sunny climate also makes Barcelona a hugely popular place to visit!

This tour is ideal for those who would like a taste of what Barcelona has to offer in a day. Whether you’re interested in history, taking a walk through the vibrant streets of the Gothic Quarter, indulging in various delicious cuisines, or soaking in the city’s uniquely designed buildings, you will experience a bit of everything through this tour.

Start your tour wandering the beautiful streets of downtown Barcelona. Take a walk to the heart of the city at Plaza Catalonia, the bustling street of Las Ramblas, the unforgettable Gothic Quarter, and to the magnificent Church of Santa Maria del Mar.

After a lunch break, a private car will drive your group and guide towards a panoramic city tour to Montjüic to admire the city from above! On your way down back to the city you will enjoy a brief photo stop at iconic Gaudi's houses before arriving to Park Güell, a prime example of Barcelona’s modernism, and one of the highest points of the city to enjoy amazing panoramic views.

Your tour ends with a privately guided tour of Barcelona’s crowning glory, designed by Antonio Gaudi, one of the greatest and most unique architects of all time: the UNESCO World Heritage site of La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with tickets included.

Please note: Your clothing must be appropriate to enter the Sagrada Familia. Your knees and shoulders, back, and stomach must be covered. See-through clothing and swimwear are forbidden.

Barcelona from Above: Private Driving Tour of the City’s Best Views

Discover several incredible panoramic views over the city of Barcelona on this half-day private driving tour around the city's most amazing viewpoints, with tickets to the amazing Glòries Tower skyscraper included.

On your private tour, you will:

  • Enjoy hotel pick-up with a private driver and expert private guide throughout the duration of your 4-hour tour;
  • Relax and enjoy a scenic drive around Barcelona, and to the best panoramic viewing points of the city;
  • Enjoy your guide's knowledgeable commentary about Barcelona en route; 
  • Arrive at Carmel Bunkers for an amazing 360° view of Barcelona - one of the best views in all of Europe;
  • Learn about the area, which was never a bunker, but the place where anti-aircraft guns were installed during the Spanish Civil War - locals have kept this incredible viewing point secret for years;
  • Gaze out to the horizon and the ocean beyond, and you'll see the vast architectural marvel of Gaudi’s famous La Sagrada Familia rising high above the rooftops of the city;
  • Continue the tour, driving to the top of Tibidabo, the highest peak of the capital, for more jaw-dropping views;
  • See Tibidabo Church (from the outside) - a spectacular mountaintop temple;
  • Enjoy the incredibly scenic drive down the mountain towards your last stop;
  • Your last stop is the magical Montjuïc Hill from where you can see Barcelona from every angle, including its Port;
  • Return to the city centre and finish your tour with tickets included to the Glòries Tower Observation Deck!
  • Visit Hyperview Barcelona and the interactive artwork 'Cloud Cities Barcelona', by artist Tomás Saraceno.


Discover some of the most astounding panoramic views high above Barcelona, kept secret by the locals, on this fabulous private driving tour to the very best viewing points over this stunning city! Your private guide will meet you at your hotel, and whisk you off in search of some of the finest panoramic views, not just of Barcelona but all of Europe!

Enjoy a relaxing and thoroughly scenic drive out of the city centre, during which time your guide will share lots of fascinating history and stories of Barcelona with you as you head up the hill, towards your first stop: the Carmel Bunkers. Rather than bunkers, this place was used during the Spanish Civil War to store firearms - specifically anti-aircraft weapons.

Afterwards, the area became a shanty town; the residents were rehoused during the Olympic Games in 1992 and today the site is still a well-kept secret by the locals and provides a breathtaking view over Barcelona - with the city and her grand monuments stretched out beneath you.

Next drive to Tibidabo, which at 512 meters it is the highest hill overlooking Barcelona. It rises sharply in the northwest and enjoys panoramic views of both the city and the coastline. Perched on the summit is the astonishingly beautiful Sagrat Cor Church (Sacred Heart), which was begun in 1902 and completed 60 years later. It is a vast neo-gothic church with a massive statue of the sacred heart of Jesus on top: a truly spectacular sight to behold.

Then drive to beautiful Montjuic - the most famous hill in Barcelona, filled with pavillions, temples, palaces, parks, botanical gardens, and other monuments from when Barcelona hosted the World's Fair in 1920. It literally means Jewish Mountain, named for the medieval Jewish cemetery there, and has glorious views over the city.

For years it was an important defence outpost of the city, with a wooded valley and fort. Today, there are many castles and museums to see and admire on Montjuic, including the Magic Fountain - and of course wonderful views over the city!

Then it's time to drive back into the city where you will be dropped off at the Glòries Tower where your guide will give you your tickets and guide you to the entrance. Then you have free time to head up to the Observation Deck of this grand glass skyscraper - with, yes, some of the greatest views over the city!  

 Please note:
- This tour runs rain or shine, and on a rainy day, the visibility of the city skyline might be affected. Your guide will be happy to change the stops to offer the best experience.
- Access to the Carmel Bunkers implies a walking part to get to the top of the hill from the parking area.

The Best of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona: Private Full-Day Tour

Explore the best of Barcelona on a private tour of Gaudi’s imprint on the city, with tickets to La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and Park Güell.

On this walking and driving combined private tour, you will:

  • Learn all about Gaudi's work on a private guided tour inside Casa Battló;
  • Travel along Passeig de Gracia in a private vehicle to Park Güell, with breathtaking views of the city;
  • Stop briefly to see two architectural marvels of Gaudi’s work: Casa Vicens (his first house) and Casa Milá;
  • Walk together with your guide along Park Güell and admire the ceramic animal sculptures and architectural designs that make it so iconic;
  • Take a short comfort break before returning to the vehicle for a private hassle-free transfer to the Sagrada Familia;
  • Enjoy a one-hour guided tour of La Sagrada Familia, the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world.


A trip to Barcelona would be incomplete without exploring Gaudí's imprint on the city. Not only was he one of the most influential architects of Barcelona’s modern and art nouveau period in the late 19th and early 20th century, but in history.

His architectural masterpieces helped transform the city of Barcelona into the thriving, bustling, the historical and cultural metropolitan city it is today.

In Dreta de l'Eixample and view the world-renowned Casa Batlló, Casa Milá, and Casa Vicens Gaudí. You will get a sense of Gaudí’s innovative and eccentric mind as you walk into the various edifices designed by him, from the cathedral spires at La Sagrada Familia to the gingerbread gatehouses, grottos and ceramic animals in Park Güell.

Enjoy two hassle-free private transfers to Park Güell and Sagrada Familia and admire the city from the comfort of your car. Your tour ends with a guided tour inside the Sagrada Familia where you will then be free to stay at your own leisure.

Join us on the tour and you will be transformed into another world as you enter the intricately designed spaces

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