Dominating the Barcelona skyline, this remarkable unfinished church is an artistic and religious statement by the famous Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926). With the dramatic entryways and the 100 meter high belltowers already completed, La Sagrada Familia stands tall as a monument to the man, Barcelona, Catalonia and God. Started in 1883, the site is still a work in progress, and hopefully the project will be completed by 2050.

Gaudí lent his inimitable style to this huge undertaking, and designed so many unique features and touches, like the mosaic tiles on the top of this tower (above). The effect of the whole structure is indescribable.

Entrance: 6 Euros adults, 1.50 Euros for lift up spires. If you see the line almost at the front entrance, expect to wait about 45 minutes for the lift. In my view, it’s not worth that long a wait. The views aren’t complete 360 degrees, and there’s not really a good viewing platform. Tip:There’s another lift for the spires on the otherside, usually with a much shorter line!

If this is your only chance to see the city from above, take it, otherwise there are better views from Montjuïc, Mt. Tibidabo, even Parc Güell. The Sagrada Familia should be avoided on very windy days due to all the dust coming from the construction at the site.

The Gaudí Museum in the Sagrada Familia details more than a century of construction on this huge project. Scale models and photos illustrate the grand design Gaudí had in mind. What you now see is only about half of what will be. In fact the central spire of the Sagrada Familia is supposed to tower way above what exists now. Work continues and it’s estimated that by 2050 it might finally be completed. The plan is truly awesome, and it will be a miracle if it ever gets completed.

Website: https://sagfam.deakin.edu.au/english/Welcome/welcome_text.htm
Metro: Sagrada Familia