Sagrada Familia requires guests to dress modestly. Both men and women should make sure shoulders are covered, which also means avoiding tank tops or sleeveless shirts. Shorts, skirts, or dresses must reach at least mid-thigh or fall below it.
It’s best to wear regular shirts, t-shirts, or blouses that do not show much skin. For the lower half, pants, capris, or long skirts are all fine if they are not too short. Children are also asked to follow these basic guidelines, although there is often a little more flexibility for young kids.
Proper shoes like sandals or sneakers are acceptable, but no bare feet are allowed.
Street parking around the Sagrada Familia operates under Barcelona’s Blue and Green Zone system. Blue Zones allow tourists to park for up to two hours with payment required during peak times, typically between 9:00 AM–2:00 PM and 4:00 PM–8:00 PM on weekdays. Green Zones prioritize local residents, charging higher rates for visitors and often limiting non-resident access. Prices range from around €1.30 to €2.85 per hour depending on the zone. Early mornings before 9:00 AM or late afternoons after 4:00 PM are the best times to find available spots. Accessible parking is available in designated Blue Zone spaces for mobility permit holders, who can exceed the standard two-hour limit. Payments can be made via parking meters, mobile apps, or SMS systems.
Several underground garages within walking distance of the basilica provide secure, 24-hour parking with modern amenities. The Sagrada Familia Parking facility sits just 100 meters from the entrance, offering extra-large spaces and direct metro access to lines L2 and L5. Another popular option, NN Valencia 3, is located 505 meters away with competitive rates. These underground facilities feature controlled entry, surveillance systems, and often climate control, making them a safer choice than street parking. Many offer elevator access directly to street level and allow online reservations through platforms.
For eco-conscious travelers, several garages near the Sagrada Familia offer dedicated electric vehicle charging stations. These include both standard AC charging (3–7 kW) and fast DC charging (22–50 kW), with select locations even supporting Tesla Superchargers. Some facilities provide discounted rates for electric vehicles as part of Barcelona’s sustainability initiatives, but spaces are limited and should be reserved in advance. Charging typically incurs an additional fee on top of parking costs, and availability can vary during peak tourist seasons. The infrastructure is expanding as more visitors use electric rental cars, making it easier to explore the area sustainably.
Antoni Gaudí envisioned the Sagrada Família as a combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. Using a variety of organic forms, Gaudí aimed to create a structure that harmonized nature and architecture. It is open to tourists throughout the year, with different opening hours depending on the period. It is advisable to book your tickets online because the entries are scheduled in time slots.
For those wanting to dive deeper in the history of this amazing building and get the necessary context to really enjoy its finer details, consider taking a guided tour.
For individuals with mobility issues, the Sagrada Familia is fully enjoyable by people with any need, except for its towers, which require a good amount of steps to get back to ground floor.
Construction of the Sagrada Família began in 1882 under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar before Gaudí took over the project in 1883. Gaudí dedicated the latter part of his life solely to this monumental task. After his death in 1926, construction continued based on his detailed models and plans.
Significant milestones include the completion of the Nativity facade in 1935 and the progress made on the Passion facade in the late 20th century. By 2010, key elements like the nave and main altar had been completed, allowing for consecration by Pope Benedict XVI.
The construction of the Sagrada Familia has faced numerous challenges, including political turmoil, funding issues, and technical difficulties. The Spanish Civil War in the 1930s saw Gaudí's original plans and models largely destroyed, necessitating reconstruction based on surviving documents and interpretations by subsequent architects.