Sagrada Familia: Fast Track Entry Ticket
Enjoy Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece, The Sagrada Familia
- Sagrada Familia: Fast Track Entry Ticket
- Downloadable Sagrada Familia App with Audio Guide
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Barcelona
Barcelona is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, many of which are the masterful works of Antoni Gaudí and the sites are open to the public, so offer a glimpse into his extraordinary architectural achievements.
The Sagrada Familia - See Ticket Options
The Sagrada Familia, an iconic symbol of Barcelona, remains unfinished, yet continues to draw millions of visitors annually. Officially named the ‘Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family’, it attracts around 20 million visitors each year, with about 5 million purchasing tickets to explore its stunning interior.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 for its Nativity façade and the crypt, the Sagrada Familia is part of the "Works of Antoni Gaudí.". Construction began in 1882 and, despite ongoing work, it remains incomplete. The anticipated completion date was 2026 but has been delayed, due to Covid and now rumoured funding issues and no new date currently published. Gaudí, who devoted the latter part of his life exclusively to this project, tragically passed away in 1926, so will sadly never see his masterpiece complete.
Park Güell - See Ticket Options
Originally intended as a residential estate for Barcelona's elite, Park Güell was transformed into a public park after the project became financially unfeasible. Another Gaudí design, having been commissioned by Eusebi Güell, the park opened to the public in 1926. It now welcomes around 10 million visitors annually.
Park Güell is divided into two sections:
- The Monumental Zone: Spanning 12 hectares, this area includes the Dragon Stairway, Porter's Lodge Pavilion, Hypostyle Room, Greek Theatre, and Austria Gardens. Tickets are required for access.
- The Forest Zone: Covering 7 hectares, this area is free to the public.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, Park Güell is another gem in the "Works of Antoni Gaudí."
Casa Batlló - See Ticket Options
Casa Batlló, (another Gaudi design) was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2005 as part of the "Works of Antoni Gaudí." Originally constructed by Emilio Sala Cortes, Gaudí's university professor, it was remodelled by Gaudí between 1904 and 1906 after being purchased by Josep Batlló y Casanovas (where its name comes from).
Sold by the Batlló family and now owned by the Bernat family (since the 1990s), Casa Batlló was opened to the public in 1995 and now attracts around 1 million visitors each year.
Casa Milà (La Pedrera) - See Ticket Options
Casa Milà, or commonly known as ‘La Pedrera’, due to its quarry-like appearance (which is the translation of La Pedrera), is another Gaudi property and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1984. Commissioned by Pere Milà (where the name comes from) and his wife, Roser Segimon, Gaudí designed this innovative building between 1906 and 1912. After years of neglect, it was restored and opened to the public in 1996.
Located on the fashionable Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Milà attracts about 1 million visitors annually. A popular combination ticket offers entry to both Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.
Palau de la Música Catalana - See Ticket Options
Designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner and completed in 1908, the Palau de la Música Catalana is celebrated for its stunning stained glass windows and ornate architecture. The concert hall which is situated in the Barri Gotic, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Having undergone a sensitive refurbishment in the 1980s, preserving its original charm.
Palau Güell (Güell Palace) - See Ticket Options
One of Gaudí’s early masterpieces, Palau Güell was built between 1886 and 1890 for Eusebi Güell (of Park Güell). Palau Güell was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, and the palace served as a family residence for the Güell’s as well as being a venue for social events. Despite being lesser-known, Palau Güell is a must-visit for those interested in Gaudí's work.
Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau Hospital - See Ticket Options
Designed by Lluis Domènech i Montaner (the same architect that designed the Palau de la Música Catalana mentioned above), the property was constructed on the site of a mediaeval hospital. Sant Pau Hospital was revolutionary for its time. Its design, which features 16 pavilions and underground tunnels, aimed to heal patients’ spirits through beauty. It was commissioned as part of a will from a wealthy benefactor. The Sant Pau Hospital was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997, and was operational as a hospital until 2009, but due to it outgrowing the site, had to be moved. The site is now a bestselling tourist attraction in Barcelona.
Casa Vicens - See Ticket Options
Casa Vicens, another of Gaudí's early works, was constructed between 1883 and 1885 for Manel Vicens i Montaner. This building reflects Gaudí’s orientalist period and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Now owned by MoraBanc, an Andorran bank, it has been restored and is open to the public to enjoy.
These UNESCO World Heritage Sites offer a fascinating insight into the innovative and artistic genius of Antoni Gaudí and other notable architects that have helped to shape the city. Whether you are a local or a tourist, exploring these landmarks is a journey through the rich architectural heritage of Barcelona.
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Fun Facts About UNESCO Sites in Barcelona
- Sagrada Família's Ongoing Construction: The Basilica of the Sagrada Família which was designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, is one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain let alone just Barcelona. Despite construction starting in 1882, it still remains unfinished. Gaudí dedicated the latter part of his life to this project. It was anticipated to be completed by 2026, however delays due to Covid-19 and now believed funding issues have delayed the completion with no expected date currently being given.
- Park Güell's Colourful Mosaic Work: Park Güell which is another of Gaudí's masterpieces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features vibrant mosaic tile work known as "trencadís." The technique uses broken ceramic pieces to create intricate and colourful patterns. The park’s famous serpentine bench, which is covered in trencadís, offers amazing views of the city and is a favourite spot for visitors.
- Palau de la Música Catalana's Stained Glass: The Palau de la Música Catalana is a concert hall designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The concert hall is celebrated for its stunning stained glass. The central skylight, which resembles a giant stained-glass sun, bathes the auditorium in natural light which creates a unique and enchanting atmosphere during performances!
- Hospital de Sant Pau's Hidden Tunnels: The Hospital de Sant Pau which was also designed by Lluís Domènech iMontaner, is not only architecturally impressive but also practical. The hospital complex includes a network of underground tunnels that connect the various pavilions. The tunnels were used to transport patients and medical supplies discreetly, enhancing the functionality of this stunning Art Nouveau structure which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Locations of some of the UNESCO Sites in Barcelona
