Sagrada Família 2026: Tower of Jesus, Tickets & What's New

On February 20, 2026, the cross was placed on top of the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família. At 172.5 metres, it became the tallest church in the world — and the tallest building in Barcelona. After 144 years of construction, the exterior is now structurally complete.

The official inauguration is set for June 10, 2026. If you're visiting Barcelona this year, here's what's different, what it costs, and how to plan your visit.

What changed in 2026

The Tower of Jesus Christ — the central and tallest spire — now dominates Barcelona's skyline. It's topped with a four-armed cross that can be seen from across the city. The exterior of the basilica looks complete for the first time in its history, though interior work continues through 2027–2028 and the Glory Façade (the main entrance, facing Carrer Mallorca) will take another decade.

The exhibition "1925–2025" is running inside the basilica until May 26, 2026, documenting the last century of construction with photos, models, and original drawings. It's included with your ticket and worth seeing before you enter the main space.

Tickets and prices (2026)

Sagrada Família basic ticket (includes audioguide app): €26. Guided tour (includes audioguide app): €30. Basic ticket + tower access: €36. Guided tour + tower access: €40. Under 30 / students: €24 basic, €28 guided. Seniors: €21 basic, €23 guided. Under 11: free.

Barcelona residents: 50% discount on all ticket types throughout 2026. This is a special centenary offer. You need to email residents@ext.sagradafamilia.org with proof of residency — discounted tickets aren't available through the normal online booking.

Buy tickets on the official website only. Third-party sites charge commissions and don't offer better availability. Book at least a week ahead during peak season (June–October) — slots near the June 10 inauguration will be extremely limited.

Tower access: which tower to choose

Tower tickets give you access to either the Nativity Façade tower or the Passion Façade tower — not both, and not the Tower of Jesus (which isn't open to visitors). You go up by lift and descend a tight spiral staircase on foot.

The Nativity Façade tower is the more popular choice — the views face the sea and you get a closer look at the ornate carvings. The Passion Façade tower faces the city centre. Both are worth it, but if you have to choose, go with Nativity.

Note: tower access isn't suitable for anyone with claustrophobia or mobility issues. The spiral staircase is narrow, steep, and there's no lift down. Children under 6 are not allowed on the towers.

Best time to visit

For the best light inside the basilica, visit in the morning (before 11 AM) when the eastern stained-glass windows fill the nave with warm colours, or in the late afternoon (after 5 PM) when the western windows create a different effect. Midday is the brightest but least atmospheric.

Weekday mornings (especially Tuesday and Wednesday) are the quietest. Weekends, especially around the June 10 inauguration, will be extremely busy throughout 2026.

Getting there

Metro: Sagrada Família (L2/L5) drops you right at the basilica. The entrance is on Carrer de la Marina (Nativity Façade side). Arrive 10 minutes before your time slot — there's a security check similar to an airport.

After your visit: the Museu del Disseny is a 15-minute walk away. The Hospital de Sant Pau (another UNESCO site and a lesser-known Modernista masterpiece) is 5 minutes up the street — and well worth the detour.

Is the Sagrada Família worth it?

Yes. Even people who are ambivalent about architecture tend to be stunned by the interior. The forest of columns, the coloured light, and the sheer scale of the space are unlike anything else in Europe. In 2026, you're seeing it at a historic moment — the first year the building looks finished from outside.

At €26, it's the most expensive museum visit in Barcelona. But it's also the most memorable.