You can travel all throughout Barcelona but nothing will be more spectacular than la Sagrada Familia. The basilica reigns at about 170 meters high, higher than any other building in Barcelona. You and your children will be in awe as soon as you lay eyes on this masterpiece towering over you. Each detail that is incorporated into the basilica is intentional. From the number of towers shooting into the sky to the doors for entrance, everything is planned to represent a significant part of history and nature. You don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to see this beauty in all of its glory.

A Little History

Antoni Gaudi began production on this masterpiece in 1882 but sadly was never able to see production past the crypt at the base of the basilica. He died in 1926 when he was hit by a bus and is now buried in that crypt. Following his death was the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. Spanish anarchists destroyed many of Gaudi’s plans. Gaudi didn’t like to draw out his plans, he preferred to make miniature models of each area of the basilica so thankfully a handful of those are still around today and are actually on display at the museum below the basilica. Despite lots of his work being lost, the architects who followed Gaudi were able to salvage what he had made and continued to grow and replicate on that work in a way he likely would have intended. The basilica is actually still under production and will continue to be until 2026 (the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death). The glory façade, the central towers, and the second sacristy are all that need to completed at this point.

The Details

The massive height of this place will stun you and your children. It is about 170 meters or 560 feet which is exactly 1 meter shorter than Montjuic, the tallest mountain in Barcelona. Gaudi intentionally planned this because he believed nothing man-made should tower over the natural work of God. Gaudi felt most connected to nature in his life and tried his best to incorporate that into every building he made. You will notice tiny aspects that reflect this throughout the basilica. Can you spot them? Go try for yourself, I won’t spoil the fun!

The intricate detail put into every nook and cranny of Sagrada Familia is why it has now surpassed the production of the Great Pyramid in Egypt. You will find complete nativity scenes and other stories of Jesus’s life displayed all around the outside of the basilica. There is not a spot untouched by beauty and devotion to God. In 2005, Sagrada Familia was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 2010, Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the building making it an official basilica.

Kid-Friendly?

Inside the basilica there are audio guides or tour groups that are kid-friendly and are very informative. The family can play a fun little game of I-Spy while exploring since there is just so much to see. Children will love the colorful reflections dancing all throughout the basilica from the stained glass windows. The inside resembles a rainbow at certain times of the day. A cool spot to take the kids might be the bell towers which raise high above the ground to give you a great view from above. Maybe opt out of this one though if you’re scared of heights.

Another cool thing about the basilica: children under 11 are free! And older children can come in for a reduced price as well. They offer tickets at most times of the day to accomodate a family’s busy schedule. Check out ticket sales in advance because they sell out and waiting for a ticket at the basilica can be a pain.

Here is where you can buy tickets: here

Here are the hours for Sagrada Familia:

November through February: 9 am to 6 pm.

March and October: 9 am to 7 pm.

April through September: 9 am to 8 pm.

25 and 26 December, 1 and 6 January: 9 am to 2 pm.

Don’t skip this incredible experience when you’re here. You’ll be missing out on all the history and instagrammable moments! You and your family will never forget what you see here because it is unlike anything else in this world. In 20-30 years it will be super cool for you and the kids to say you got to see la Sagrada Familia during its production.

What Next?

After visiting Sagrada Familia head over to Montjuic mountain to see Sagrada Familia and Barcelona from a whole new vantage point. Check out our blog post about Montjuic to get more details!