Thread: Barcelona Sights: Sagrada Familia

For anyone with a couple of days before or after a cruise from Barcelona, going to Sagrada Familia is a must-do. It is much less crowded on a weekday, and even less crowded if you go earlier in the morning (enter before 9:30).

Since this is a 'work in progress' know from the start that you are visiting a construction site. The temple was begun in 1882 and is expected to be completed in 2030. Anyone who says it isn't worth going inside is ... well .... a little crazy. It is spectacular! You are witnessing history in the making.

Be sure to visit the temple museum, which is on a level lower than street level (but not the lower crypt level). There are some of Gaudi's original drawings and models there, and a glimpse of the current model shop, timeline of temple progress and architects who contributed to the effort, and drawings and models for all the sculptures and ornamentation created for the temple.

There is an audio tour you can take; rent the equipment after you buy your entry ticket just to the right of the entry turnstyles.

Should you want to go up to the temple tower, there is a 2 euro charge to take the elevator up ... and a long line to do so. It is far less of a wait on weekday mornings.

On the nativity facade side, to the right, near the little school, there is a gift shop for souvenirs and some quality items. While the prices might seem steep, they are even pricier if you decide to purchase them along La Rambla later on. Also, all the profits made in the gift shop go toward the continuing construction of the temple.

You can get a tourist bus at Placa Catalunya, or take the subway to the temple, which will exit very near the entry gates.

wowo Nikki another gem... great research....