Discover Barcelona’s most iconic site, and Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished church, at The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família.
Head inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site and delve into the secret stories behind Antoni Gaudí’s life. Narrated by an expert historian, we’ll explore the sheer number of motifs and details of this breathtaking building, in a way that is manageable, and making sure you don’t miss any of the best bits.
Admire the incredible Nativity Façade, the colourful stained-glass windows, as well as the crypt where Gaudí is buried.
This immersive audio tour is the ultimate guide to Barcelona’s most vibrant icon, and can be downloaded anytime directly onto your smartphone.
Note: This is a self-guided audio walking tour and does not include entrance tickets
Look up at the Nativity Facade and take in the effect of this incredible sandstone tapestry. The Nativity Facade is the only one that Gaudí actually lived to oversee the construction of. You can really feel the passion with which he created this first feature of what would be his magnum opus. The façade is made up of different scenes from Jesus’ childhood and is divided into three ‘portals’, each one dedicated to a different virtue. We have the Portal of Hope on the left, the Portal of Charity in the middle and the Portal of Faith on the right. Let’s go over and start with the one on the left hand side.
Gaudí had the natural world in mind when he envisaged the interior of the basilica. He wanted it to give visitors the sensation of being in a forest. Head inside and enjoy a kaleidoscope of light and colour dancing around these magnificent columns
Get up close and personal to the stunning Stained Glass windows. Although Gaudí had ideas about how they should look generally, these windows are the work of skilled craftsman Joan Vila-Grau, who has been working on them since 1999. Vila-Grau described the process as like painting someone’s portrait. Of course you have to paint it like the commissioner wants you to, but within these constrictions you’re able to apply your own artistic freedom.
Wander over to the High Altar and Baldachin. The design for this baldachin was originally intended for the Cathedral in Palma de Mallorca, which Gaudí had been working on with his friend Josep Maria Jujol I Gibert. The sides of the baldachin make reference to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit – they are written there in Latin: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
Head upstairs and explore the cathedral’s 18 towers. In 2021, Sagrada Família inaugurated its second taller tower, the tower of the Virgin Mary, with a large mass. The star at the top lights up at night, illuminating Sagrada Familia with a beautiful golden light. The Jesus Christ tower will also make Sagrada Familia the tallest building in Barcelona and the tallest church building in the world.
Walk downstairs into the Crypt and Gaudi’s Tomb. The Crypt was built in 1882, just before Gaudi got involved. However, it actually had to be repaired extensively after it was looted during the Spanish Civil War. Learn about this dark part of Catalan’s history.
Walk outside to the Schoolhouse When the land was first purchased, there wasn’t very much in this district at all, but as the years went by, a small community began to grow around the temple. In a philanthropic gesture, Gaudi decided to create a place where the children of his labourers could be educated, and plans for the school were drawn up.
Finish the tour at the Passion Facade. Where the Nativity façade celebrates the joy of Jesus’ birth, the Passion Façade is a testament to the sorrows of his crucifixion. The austere, angular features of the sculptures really help to transmit the melancholy atmosphere.
The Vidi Guides experience is enriched with on-screen photos and videos. We also point out where to take the perfect Instagram photos during the tour, and include recommendations for food, drinks, and local attractions. Don't worry, none of our recommendations are sponsored - they are simply favourites of the locals who helped craft the experience.
Vidi Guides creates immersive audio experiences that are like podcasts. This is a self-guided audio tour that can be started or stopped at your own convenience. Download the Vidi Guides app & your tour to explore the area independently and safely! Make sure to download your tour before your visit to streamline your trip!
