I have no doubt that La Sagrada Familia is a modern architectural wonder. But I'm curious: is the interior equally wondrous? The entrance fee is a bit steep, and I wonder how much of its splendor I'd miss by simply walking around it. And around it and around it and around it.
What's inside that's worth the price of admission, do you think?
Note: in Rome, I'm happier outside the Colosseum than inside.
Which is kind of what leads me to the question.
The interior completes the exterior, and I don't say that to be facile. They complement one another. The interior structures are indeed interesting, and you cannot appreciate the stained glass, of which there is quite a bit, from the outside.
If you go late in the day you can avoid the queues, but if it is quite late in the day you may miss the option (for an additional fee) to visit one of the towers.
It is one of those places that doesn't let you down when you go inside. Apart from having to share it with so many others. It is certainly worth it.
Any idea of a typical length of visit?
Or rather: how long did you stay?
Yeah, I've seen some photos--some stunning, some not so much. Just wasn't sure if what the camera sees is what the eye sees.
thanks!
I don't think there is a limit to the stay, I would say you need a good hour maybe a bit more, then longer if you want to see the towers (not done that).
Length of stay up to you 15 minutes or over an hour - the first time i went spent over an hour some of that time just sitting and looking - also their is some Guadi stuff to look at including his workshop in basement.
Part of your money goes to the ongoing wirk that is how the work continues due to all tourists paying 15 plus euro - you may only go there obce so money irrelevant really its a unique place in the world
Whilst I am not a fan of Gaudi, IMHO you would be missing a lot by not going inside (and going up one of the towers).
The first time I went to Barcelona I only visited the Sagrada Familia from the outside and was happy with that. The second time I went, I also visited from the inside, and was totally blown away by it. Even though it is very busy, the ambience is quite peaceful, and the glass windows and the whole layout of the the place is really stunning and one of a kind. It is totally worth it, and I would go for it. From the posts you have answered so far on the TT, I would be extremely surprised if you didn't very much enjoyed it there.
I didn't go up one of the towers (which you might do if you are not as scared of heights as I am - the view from them is supposed to be amazing) but rented an audio guide (which I can recommend) and stayed for about an hour. Part of it spent on a bench just taking in the atmosphere, the light, the sounds etc.
And you didn't ask for it, but still: when in Barcelona, unless you really dont like Gaudi, I would also very much consider visiting Casa Batlo, which is amazing, and Park Guell, which is also really really special. In case you want to go into the "sanctuary" of Park Guell (which is not really necessary in my opinion), do book ahead online, as there are very very long waiting times otherwise. Casa Mira is another master piece designed by Gaudi, and again - if you dont have a fear of heights - its also well worth visiting. If you have a fear of heights (like me), it will be rather a nightmare.
