Sagrada Família's Ongoing Construction: What Visitors See Today
Gaudí's basilica has been under construction for over a century — here's what's actually finished, what's still a building site, and how that shapes a visit.
Sagrada Família has been under continuous construction since 1882, and it shows — scaffolding and cranes are part of the experience, not a temporary inconvenience. Here's what that means for a visit today.
What's complete
The nave, the Nativity and Passion façades, and the main crypt are finished and open to the public, along with the towers that are accessible by lift. The interior's stained glass, designed to shift the quality of light through the day, is one of the most-cited highlights among first-time visitors.
What's still being built
The Glory Façade — intended as the building's main entrance — and the central Jesus Christ tower, which will become Europe's tallest church spire on completion, remain under construction. A completion date has been estimated and revised more than once; treat any specific year with caution.
Towers require a separate, timed ticket
Access to the Nativity or Passion tower is booked as an add-on with its own entry time, capped by lift capacity — book this alongside the main ticket rather than assuming it's included.
Best light
Morning visits favour the Nativity façade's stained glass; afternoon light suits the Passion side. Either way, arrive at the printed entry time — this is one of the few Barcelona sites that enforces it strictly.