Barcelona Top Attraction: Basilica De La Sagrada Familia
The top attraction in Barcelona Spain is Basilica De La Sagrada Familia. Designed by iconic artist and architectural genius Antoni Gaudí this is a must-see tourist attraction. The artist’s design for this landmark building combines gothic style with Art Nouveau. See link below for an article about my personal experience returning to the Basilica De La Sagrada Familia.
Top Attraction in Barcelona
The Sagrada Familia has three facades: 1. The Nativity 2. The Passion 3. The Glory; The Nativity features the birth of Christ and is the oldest, while the Passion and the Glory depict his crucifixion and ultimately his ascension into heaven. Each of the facades features an entrance also known as a “portal.” These portals are named the Portal of Hope, the Portal of Mercy, and the Portal of Faith.
Gaudí created elaborate sculptures of characters from bible stories on the facades of the building depicting in-depth scenes portraying a unique spiritual narrative. Inside the basilica, stained glass windows utilize the suns rays to create a rainbow of colors. Massive columns run upwards towards a glorious vaulted ceiling donning ornate carvings.
The Towers of Sagrada Familia
Other celebrated architecture features are the basilica’s towers. You can find four bell towers and lanterns on each facade. The towers represent the twelve apostles, Jesus, Mary, as well as the four evangelists surrounding the tower of Jesus Christ. Be sure to pay the extra fee to visit the Passion and/or the Nativity tower for amazing views of the city and beyond. Visitors can take an elevator up. However, going back downs is only possible via a narrow spiral staircase.
The final tower is still under construction. When completed, the Jesus Christ Tower is expected to stand over 565 feet tall making Sagrada Familia the tallest church in the world.
Be sure to plan ahead and purchase tickets to enter the basilica well in advance, because they sell out. Visiting the towers requires the purchase of a second ticket.Tours are also available, and some include entry as well as access to the towers. For amazing views of Sagrada Familia, consider having cocktails and appetizers on the rooftop of Sercotel Rosselon. Reservations are absolutely required.
Find out more about this legendary landmark on its website, The Basilica De La Sagrada Familia, Eixample, 08013 Barcelona, Spain; https://sagradafamilia.org/
CLICK HERE to read about my personal experience returning to see this iconic church after 45 years; CLICK HERE for more articles about Spain.
ETG wants to encourage our readers to visit official tourism websites for Barcelona as well as Spain – https://www.barcelonaturisme.com; https://www.spain.info/
