Visit Sagrada Familia: Europe's Living Monument

The Sagrada Familia ranks among Europe’s most famous monuments, with one key difference: it’s not finished! Under construction for almost a century and a half, the gothic cathedral is finally nearing completion. Today our guide Lidia joins us to share some insight into Sagrada Familia.

Hello! This is Lidia S, Licensed guide in Barcelona. I’ve been working with ToursByLocals since 2012. I’m very happy with all the kind travellers I’ve met and the experiences we’ve had around the city.

Ever since I got my degree in tourism, I wanted to be a guide, but it was not until 15 years ago that I got the chance and courage to go for it. This profession is very challenging and I had to get over my fears and deal with some economic instability when I started. Now I’m extremely happy with my profession and my guests. I feel lucky to be in this industry and in this city.

I’d like to share with you some insights about one of Barcelona’s most famous sights: Sagrada Familia. If you prepare your visit to Barcelona, there’s no doubt you should include Sagrada Familia. I visit it practically every day so have gained a lot of knowledge about it!

Sagrada Familia is the masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí; he was involved it its construction from 1883 until 1926, and he left a lot of information in order for future generations to finish it one day.

Sagrada Familia is a work in progress; it’s a living monument. Certified Tour Guides who work there regularly need training to stay up to date on its progress. Every year we have a meeting with Jaume Serrallonga, one of the architects joining the team who are building the famous temple. This year’s meeting was especially interesting; it was about the construction of the highest towers, and the use of new techniques adapted to the altitude and the atmospheric conditions.

Currently they are working hard on the construction of the highest towers. Jesus Tower will be just on the top of the centre of the building; it will have more than 500 feet of altitude. In the tower’s construction, they manufacture the modules with stone but then connect the stone with steel cable, to tighten it up. This is the only building all over the world using this technique at such a height.

They prefabricate the modules in a workshop outside Barcelona and once the pieces are done, they bring them and put them on the scaffolding already built on the Virgin Mary Tower. Gaudi’s project includes three monumental facades and eighteen towers; for the moment they have built two complete monumental facades and eight towers.

The architects and their team are working hard in order to accomplish the construction of the highest towers before 2026 – the proposed end of construction on Gaudi’s masterpiece.

Thank you Lidia! It sounds like even if travellers have already visited Barcelona and seen the Sagrada Familia, a new visit will yield fresh insights as this “living” building grows and changes from year to year. If you’re considering a first-time visit or return trip, get in touch with Lidia! She’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing during your time in Barcelona.