The Sagrada Familia is open daily, but the hours vary for different months. Sagrada Familia is generally open from 9 am to 6 pm. However, the cathedral is open from 9 am to 8 pm during the peak tourist season of April to September. Here’s a simple breakdown of month-wise opening hours:
| Months | Monday to Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
| November to February | 9 am to 6 pm | 9 am to 6 pm | 10.30 am to 6 pm |
| March | 9 am to 7 pm | 9 am to 6 pm | 10.30 am to 7 pm |
| April to September | 9 am to 8 pm | 9 am to 6 pm | 10.30 am to 8 pm |
| October | 9 am to 7 pm | 9 am to 6 pm | 10.30 am to 7 pm |
Opening Hours for Special Days
The Sagrada follows special opening hours during Christmas and New Year’s:
- Christmas (25 December), Boxing Day (26 December), New Year’s Day (1 January), and Epiphany (6 January): Open from 9 am to 2 pm only.
Pro Tip: These days are busier than usual due to the holidays. To avoid crowds and ensure entry, purchasing your tickets online in advance is highly recommended!
Mass Times
This architectural wonder is also a functioning basilica where you can experience a spiritual dimension. Here are some different types of mass options:
International Mass
A great option for visitors who may not speak Catalan or Spanish. It’s free and open to everyone, making it a welcoming way to experience the spiritual side of the basilica.
Morning timings: Every Sunday and holy days of obligation at 9 am
Evening timings: Every Saturday at 8 pm
Traditional Catalan Mass
A great option for visitors who want to experience the traditional mass in Spanish alongside the locals. It’s free and accessible to a wide audience to connect with the basilica’s spiritual side.
Morning timings: 9 am (Catalan)
Evening timings: 8 pm (Spanish)
Sundays and Holidays: Additional mass times are offered
Extraordinary Mass
A great option to experience an elaborate and unique religious ceremony. These special masses or events are held on specific dates throughout the year and may commemorate religious holidays, special occasions, or visiting dignitaries. These masses are sometimes on an invite-only basis. You can check out the events calendar on their official website for more information.
Illumination & Lighting Schedule
The basilica has a beautiful illumination schedule that changes throughout the year to suit the daylight hours best. Take a look at the table below for the schedule:
| Month | Illumination Time |
|---|---|
| January | 6.30 pm to 10 pm |
| February | 7 pm to 11 pm |
| March | 7.30 pm to 11 pm |
| April | 9 pm to 12 am |
| May | 9.30 pm to 12 am |
| June | 10 pm to 12 am |
| July | 10 pm to 12 am |
| August | 9.30 pm to 12 am |
| September | 9 pm to 12 am |
| October | 8 pm to 11 pm |
| November | 6.30 pm to 10 pm |
| December | 6 pm to 10 pm |
Special Lighting
During Easter Week (10 April to 12 April), the Sagrada Familia will have a special free light show every night from 8 pm to 10 pm. The show will be on the Passion façade, with sculptures showing Jesus’ final days. The lights will tell the story of Jesus’ suffering and death. Each show lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, and the best place to see the show is from Sardenya Street.
How Long Does It Take to Visit?
The time you spend at Sagrada Familia depends on how much of the basilica you want to explore. A simple interiors and general architecture tour would take you two hours. However, if you want to explore each part of the Sagrada, it would take you around three hours. We suggest taking your time since visiting the basilica is an experience of a lifetime, and even if you take more than the usual three hours for in-depth exploration, you will find yourself wanting more! The table below will give you a quick overview:
| Experience | Time Needed |
|---|---|
| Introductory Tour (Interior & Exterior) | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| In-depth tour (Towers, Crypt, Museum) | 2 to 3 hours |
| Leisurely Exploration (Taking your time, enjoying details) | 3+ hours |
FAQs
Is Sagrada Familia open on Mondays?
Yes, Sagrada Familia is open on Mondays. It is the best day of the week to visit as it is the least crowded.
Can I purchase tickets at the Sagrada or buy them online?
While you can purchase tickets on-site, it is highly recommended that you buy tickets online in advance, especially during peak season or for specific times. This helps avoid long queues and guarantees entry at your preferred time slot.
Are there any specific time slots recommended for a less crowded experience?
Mornings between 9 am and 11 am tend to be less crowded, offering visitors a more relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the architectural masterpiece. We recommend you visit on Mondays for the best, least crowded experience.
Can you visit during the sunset hours?
Yes, you can visit the Sagrada from 5 pm to 6 pm to capture stunning photographs of the interiors bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.
Are there any special events that may affect the regular operating hours?
Occasionally, events and masses at Sagrada Familia may affect the day-to-day hours. On 25 and 26 December and 1 and 6 January, the basilica operates with reduced hours from 9 am to 2 pm. For more details about such schedules, you can check the activities calendar.
Featured Image: Sagradafamilia.org
