{"id":15954,"date":"2024-02-21T10:18:42","date_gmt":"2024-02-21T10:18:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tiqets-blog-staging.local\/sagrada-familia-sculptures\/"},"modified":"2025-08-16T10:49:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-16T10:49:11","slug":"sagrada-familia-sculptures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/sagrada-familia-sculptures\/","title":{"rendered":"Sagrada Familia Sculptures: An Architectural Stone Marvel Explained","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em><strong>\u2013<\/strong><\/em><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><em><strong>This post was written by Emma Levin<\/strong><\/em><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><em><strong>\u2013<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Sagrada Familia is a wondrous architectural achievement by modernist architect Antoni Gaud\u00ed. If you plan to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you should learn about the Sagrada Familia sculptures for a full appreciation of this stunning cathedral.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Antoni Gaud\u00ed never did anything without pouring his whole soul into his designs. the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/inside-the-sagrada-familia\/\"> Sagrada Familia<\/a> is no different, as his beautiful style combines elements of Art Nouveau, Spanish Late Gothic, and Catalan Modernism. He always held his faith in high regard and integrated important aspects of the life of Jesus into the cathedral, most notably in the Sagrada Familia\u2019s Passion Facade sculptures.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you visit and purchase tickets, you should have some foundational knowledge of the cathedral, including the symbolism within Sagrada Familia\u2019s statues and sculptures.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-tiqets-widget=\"discovery\" data-cards-layout=\"horizontal\" data-content-type=\"product\" data-content-ids=\"975677,991898\" data-partner=\"tiqetsblog\" data-tq-campaign=\"SagradaFamiliaCP2\"><\/div><script defer src=\"https:\/\/widgets.tiqets.com\/loader.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-brief-history-of-the-sagrada-familia\"><strong>A brief history of the Sagrada Familia<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Sagrada-Familia-Sculptures1.jpg\" alt=\"Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Sagrada - the most known the buildings created by Antoni Gaudi. History of Sagrada Familia\" class=\"wp-image-231304\" style=\"width:1000px;height:auto\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sagrada Familia in Barcelona photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/dimbar76\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dimbar76<\/a> on<a href=\"http:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Sagrada Familia\u2019s construction first began in March of 1882. The first architect was Don Francisco de Paula del Villar, but he quickly abandoned the project due to disagreements over the design. So, Antoni Gaud\u00ed took over the following year, where he began his dream of fully channeling the divine into his work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gaud\u00ed imagined the church with five naves, three facades, and eighteen towers. He sought to merge Gothic and Art Nouveau styles and keep his whimsical and otherworldly flourishes present within the cathedral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gaud\u00ed managed to complete the first of the 18 towers before his untimely death in 1926. Today, almost all the towers are complete, and the final one is projected to be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/this-is-the-finished-sagrada-familia\/\">finished by 2026<\/a>, a century after Gaud\u00ed\u2019s death.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Sagrada Familia was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984 due to its innovative architecture. Gaud\u00ed is synonymous with this achievement, since seven of his creations have all received this honor. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI declared the Sagrada Familia a basilica.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-sagrada-familia-towers\"><strong>The Sagrada Familia towers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Sagrada-Familia-Sculptures2.jpg\" alt=\"The Sagrada Familia towers, Barcelona, Spain\" class=\"wp-image-231306\" style=\"width:1000px;height:auto\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sagrada Familia towers, Barcelona, Spain. Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/Mistervlad\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mistervlad<\/a> on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Gaud\u00ed envisioned 18 towers to complete Sagrada Familia. Each is significant, with 12 representing the apostles, four representing the evangelists, one for the Virgin Mary, and the highest one in the middle representing Jesus Christ. The evangelists were completed in late 2023, and the final tower representing Jesus Christ will be finished by 2026.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/barcelona-attractions-c66342\/tickets-for-sagrada-familia-fast-track-p918256\/?partner=tiqetsblog&amp;tq_campaign=SagradaFamiliaCP2\">grab tickets<\/a> to access one of the towers and take elevators all the way to the peak. You will be able to see the lowest and highest parts of the tower. However, you will have to navigate through skinny walkways to peek outside at the beautiful Barcelona.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sagrada-familia-facade-sculptures\"><strong>Sagrada Familia Facade sculptures<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>There are three facades that each represent a different aspect of Jesus\u2019 life. Gaud\u00ed designed these facades to allow everyone the chance to admire Jesus Christ without needing to enter the cathedral. He believed that anyone, even non-believers, should have the right to learn about Christ, so he took special care in creating the Sagrada Familia\u2019s sculptures.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sagrada-familia-nativity-facade-sculptures\"><strong>Sagrada Familia Nativity Facade sculptures<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Sagrada-Familia-Sculptures3.jpg\" alt=\"View of the east facade of Sagrada familia, dedicated to the birth of Jesus\" class=\"wp-image-231307\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">View of the east facade of Sagrada Familia, dedicated to the birth of Jesus. Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/Yingna+Cai\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yingna Cai<\/a> on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Nativity facade faces east and represents the birth of Jesus. The Nativity facade includes naturalistic elements, like the columns that represent tree trunks. The Sagrada Familia\u2019s sculptures on the Nativity Facade include the birth of Jesus, the Holy Family, the shepherds, the three Magi, and heavenly angels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sagrada-familia-passion-facade-sculptures\"><strong>Sagrada Familia Passion Facade sculptures<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Sagrada-Familia-Sculptures4.jpg\" alt=\"The Passion Facade, decorative religious Jesus sculptures on exterior facade of the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain.\" class=\"wp-image-231308\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Passion Facade, decorative religious Jesus sculptures on the exterior facade of the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain. Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/Maleeescape\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Escape of Malee<\/a> on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Passion Facade faces west and represents Christ\u2019s Passion, death, and resurrection. Gaud\u00ed wanted this Facade to have a skeletal feel and to be very bare in comparison to the Nativity Facade. The pillars resemble bones, and the Sagrada Familia Passion Facade sculptures depict scenes from the last week of Christ\u2019s life. The most notable Sagrada Familia Passion Facade sculptures include The Shame of Peter, the Kiss of Judas, the Magic Square, and Christ on the Crucifix.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sagrada-familia-glory-facade-sculptures\"><strong>Sagrada Familia Glory Facade sculptures<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Sagrada-Familia-Sculptures5.jpg\" alt=\"Stunning statues ornating the passion facade of the Sagrada Familia, iconic catholic basilica designed by Antoni Gaudi\" class=\"wp-image-231309\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stunning statues ornating the passion facade of the Sagrada Familia, iconic catholic basilica designed by Antoni Gaudi. Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/ScottYellox\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ScottYellox<\/a> on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Glory Facade faces south and represents the glory of Jesus even after his death, including themes of the afterlife and heaven. The Glory Facade is the tallest of the three and still needs to be completed. Sagrada Familia\u2019s sculptures on the Glory Facade include several biblical figures, celestial beings, demons, and other angels. The Sagrada Familia\u2019s sculptures represent a divine presence and everlasting hope.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sagrada-familia-tickets\"><strong>Sagrada Familia tickets<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-gaudi-bundle\">The Gaud\u00ed Bundle<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>No trip to Barcelona is complete without visiting both of Gaud\u00ed\u2019s incredible designs to learn why he\u2019s called \u201cgod\u2019s architect.\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/barcelona-attractions-c66342\/the-gaudi-bundle-p1012496\/?partner=tiqetsblog&amp;tq_campaign=SagradaFamiliaCP2\">Grab tickets<\/a> to both the Sagrada Familia and the wonderland that is Park G\u00fcell. You\u2019ll visit his stunning cathedral to witness his tribute to Jesus Christ and Christianity, including Sagrada Familia\u2019s statues representing divine figures. Then, wander around Park G\u00fcell, a utopia-like neighborhood where your imagination will run wild. This ticket also includes a Barcelona audio guide, which allows you to explore the city at your own pace and learn about the interesting history and hidden gems throughout Barcelona.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tickets-for-sagrada-familia-guided-tour-towers-access\">Tickets for Sagrada Familia: Guided Tour + Towers Access<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t miss out on Sagrada Familia\u2019s sculptures and divine scenes by grabbing this special ticket with a guided tour and tower access. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/barcelona-attractions-c66342\/tickets-for-sagrada-familia-skip-the-line-guided-tour-tower-access-p976598\/?partner=tiqetsblog&amp;tq_campaign=SagradaFamiliaCP2\">This ticket<\/a> allows you to skip the long lines and learn all about the glorious details of Gaud\u00ed\u2019s crown jewel from a local guide. You\u2019ll learn about the long history of this cathedral, over 140 years in the making. You\u2019ll also have access to one of the towers, where you\u2019ll take the elevator up to the peak and witness incredible views of Barcelona. Be sure to look out for Sagrada Familia\u2019s Passion Facade sculptures, including The Shame of Peter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-tiqets-widget=\"discovery\" data-cards-layout=\"horizontal\" data-content-type=\"product\" data-content-ids=\"1012496,976598\" data-partner=\"tiqetsblog\" data-tq-campaign=\"SagradaFamiliaCP2\"><\/div><script defer src=\"https:\/\/widgets.tiqets.com\/loader.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"eager-for-more-chances-to-appreciate-gaudis-divine-creation-check-out-other-sagrada-familia-tickets-and-learn-how-to-get-to-the-cathedral-ahead-of-your-tripnbsp\"><strong>Eager for more chances to appreciate Gaud\u00ed\u2019s divine creation? Check out other <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/sagrada-familia-tickets-l133161\/?partner=tiqetsblog&amp;tq_campaign=SagradaFamiliaCP2\"><strong>Sagrada Familia tickets<\/strong><\/a><strong> and learn how to get to the cathedral ahead of your trip. <\/strong><\/h4>","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Embrace an otherworldly experience by learning all about the divine Sagrada Familia sculptures, so you can fully appreciate Gaud\u00ed\u2019s masterpiece.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":8,"featured_media":15955,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[31,33],"tags":[26,28,27],"class_list":["post-15954","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-architecture","category-barcelona","tag-amsterdam","tag-europe","tag-the-netherlands"],"acf":[],"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"link","format":"url"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15954","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15954"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15954\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20298,"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15954\/revisions\/20298"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15955"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15954"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15954"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15954"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}