Sagrada Familia Barcelona Hours

The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia took more than 100 years to complete, unlike other works by Antoni Gaudí such as Park Güell, which took just 14 years to complete. Over time, the temple has also varied its opening and closing times, depending on the season, days of the week or even renovations.

On 29 December 2021 a new star illuminated Barcelona from the highest point of the Sagrada Familia, in the Tower of the Virgin Mary. After such a long wait, it is a privilege to witness the final finishes of this work, and every month a new detail is added. Make a note of this destination in Barcelona, I'll clear up any doubts you may have about the opening times so you can prepare your itinerary.

The general opening hours are from Monday to Sunday at 9:00 am, the biggest difference is at the end of the day. There are also guided tours of the Sagrada Família, but when you make your reservation you must select the starting time of the tour.

The closing time of the Sagrada Família depends on the seasons, weekdays and special considerations such as Easter. The special calendar will be made public by the church's Board of Directors or Barcelona City Council. For further information, please consult the official website. Let's see how the regular timetable is organised.

Spring opening hours at the Sagrada Família

The church is open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. The exception to this season is the last week of March, when the church closes its doors one hour earlier, at 19:00. With the mild weather all of Gaudí's works shine at their best. At the Sagrada Família it is time to take photographs and the timetable allows it.

Summer opening hours at the Sagrada Família

With the heat of the season, in addition to visiting the Costa Brava (perfect for the occasion), you can visit the interior ofthe basilica from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 20:00.

Autumn opening times at the Sagrada Família

With the prices on offer and the crowds of the summer season over, the Basilica has reduced its opening hours. Between October and December the church is open from Monday to Saturday between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.

Winter opening hours at the Sagrada Família

A key word for the season: Illumination. During the month of December the Sagrada Família dresses up and lights up like never before and you can only enter the church from Monday to Saturday between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.

Few people realise that the Sagrada Família is also beautiful to visit in winter. The white cement and carvings reflect in the sun so brightly that they can only be seen clearly from the outside of the church, making it look like a fairytale palace. Don't miss out on this experience and consider winter opening hours on your next trip.

Saturdays fall within the regular seasonal opening hours. The same applies to the basilica's closing time, the difference being its opening hours on Sundays. The church opens its doors at 10:30 a.m.

ImportantOn Sundays there is another exception. Parishioners are admitted free of charge for communion between 9:00 and 10:00. It is best to come at least half an hour in advance as places are limited.

The celebration of Christmas, the Three Wise Men and the beginning of the New Year have special opening hours. In December, on the 25th and 26th and on the 1st and 6th of January, the church is open from 9:00 to 14:00.

As well as taking pictures and running to Facebook, Instagram or TikTok to share the experience, there is also an invitation to parishioners to pray inside the church. What are the mass times? The appointment is every Sunday at 9am.

What do I need to know about the mass at Holy Family?

• The Mass is international. The Archdiocese of Barcelona offers the liturgy every Sunday in different languages.
• Dress code. In reality there is no specific dress code, however, as well as being a monument it is a church and therefore should be dressed in a respectable and modest manner.
• Special masses. Although there are seasonal schedules, the basilica also offers special masses. Consult the church calendar for more information.

Special enquiries about the church can be made by calling the visitor helpline: +34 932 080 414, according to seasonal opening hours.

• Between November and February the opening hours are from 9:00 to 18:00.
• Between April and September the opening hours are from 9:00 to 20:00.Special opening hoursIn March and October you can contact the church from 9:00 to 19:00.
• It is important to remember that tickets to the basilica can only be purchased online.

The emblem of Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia shines brightly every year. However, that masterful glow follows a timetable in accordance with Barcelona City Council regulations. If you visit Barcelona and expect to see the basilica lit up, it is best to follow the strict timetable:

• January: from 18:30 to 22:00 hours
• February and March: from 19:30 to 23:00 hours.
• April and May: from 21:30 to 24:00 hours.
• June and July: from 22:00 to 24:00 hours.
• August and September: from 21:30 to 24:00.
• October: from 20:00 to 23:00.
• November: from 18:30 to 22:00.
• December: Almost the entire month the basilica is lit from 18:00 to 22:00, except for Christmas and New Year's Eve, when the regulations provide for a seasonal exception allowing for special extended opening hours.

Guided tours of the Sagrada Família are often divided into three blocks of the day, namely at 9:00 am, 2:00 pm and around 4:00 pm. However, the time varies according to the service provider and the season.

ImportantIf you want to really get to know the Sagrada Familia, choose your ticket with priority access to the tower. Some people get an incomplete experience because they miss out on the breathtaking views from the Nativity Tower and the Passion Tower, both of which are uniquely inspired and finished.

How to choose the best guided tour of the Sagrada Familia

A couple of tips to take into consideration are:

• . Advise in advance the number of people for your tour, large groups get better deals.
• . Combine tickets. Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, A day among Gaudí's works, etc. The schedules will be coordinated by the guides and you can save up to 40% on your tickets, not bad, plus you'll have visited at least two monuments in one tour.

You can enjoy the Sagrada Familia all day long and still have time to enjoy its surroundings such as CasaBatlló or CasaMilá-La Pedrera. The best time to visit will depend on individual tastes, but the best time is clearly the window between 9:00 and 12:00. Reasons? If you go early there will be fewer queues and the sunlight is great for taking the best photographs. Keep in mind that this work is so unique that in every corner you get Gothic art next to Art Nouveau or Neo-Gothic. You need a moment to appreciate them and the fewer people around, the better.