Sagrada Familia is a must see

Yes, I know, the Sagrada Familia by Gaudi is everywhere.  Its on all the bucket lists and all the number one positions on just about everyone’s list of top ten attractions in Spain. However, despite the fact that I have seen more than my fare share of cathedrals in a life time, this palace of light and stone somehow seems to defy gravity and is one attraction not to miss if you are in Barcelona.  I had been looking forward to visiting it for years and it did not disappoint. But words really do not do it justice, there is nothing I can say here that you probably have not heard before so I will include just a few photos and a couple of tips.

Know when to go

Sagrada Familia is one of the most popular attractions and in season the lines can be long and the wait hot and sweaty.  I can not stress this enough, Barcelona is packed with tourist and locals alike and you do not want to waste your time in line getting hot, grumpy and tired.  It will take away from the enjoyment of your trip. The good news is you can purchase tickets in advance online or at any Caixa money machine. (big yellow ATM all across the city)  The ATM is in several languages and have a ticket master right inside.  Collect your ticket at the ATM and with that ticket you go straight to the “ticketmaster” entrance, scan your ticket and go in. Dont let the crowd that is swarming in front of the entrance fool you, weave your way through, waiving your pre-purchased ticket in the air and you will see an attendant willing to help you scan your entry.

Knowing when to visit the Sagrada Familia is another art in itself.  I went after lunch and it wasnt to crazy, relative to other attractions like Guell Park or the Gothic quarter.  Many tours go first thing in the morning, to catch the sunlight pouring into the cathedral.  If you go and it looks like rain or its a windy day be aware they close the elevators and you will not be able visit the towers.  If you really want a personalized visit and more information than you could remember there is a great architectural tour of the Cathedral for small groups, VIP access to Sagrada Familia but you will still have to battle the crowds inside.  No matter what you choose though, you will not regret the visit.

As a good friend of mine who was travelling with me said “there just isn’t anything…quite like it!”