Passion facade or Nativity facade: better tower at Sagrada Familia?

Deciding between the Passion and Nativity facades at Sagrada Familia? This guide helps you choose the best tower to climb, considering cost, time, and the unique views each one offers.

Are you planning to climb one of the Sagrada Familia towers but unsure which is better- the Passion facade or the Nativity facade? 🤔

The confusion is normal.

But the good thing is that you have decided to climb one of the towers because it is an integral part of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia experience. 👏 👏

Usually, tourists like you are keen to know which of the two Sagrada Familia facades is better for two reasons:

It is not possible to see both towers: You can’t explore both Nativity and Passion towers in a single visit. With one ticket, you can only go up one of the towers. Since there is no direct access (connecting bridge) between the two towers, visitors can’t go up one and also see the other.

Cost and time considerations: The only way to visit both towers is to buy two different tickets and enter the attraction twice. This costs additional money and time and doesn’t make sense.

What’s ahead

A quick comparison between the two facades 🔥

Gaudí’s architecture of the Sagrada is famous for its symbolism, representing the lifetime of Christ.

As such, there’s so much to admire in the Nativity and Passion facades.

The nativity facade was the only part of the church that Antoni Gaudí witnessed being built during his lifetime.

The Passion facade, built in the 1950s, has its takers, too, with many considering it to be the most iconic facade of the Basilica.

Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Nativity Facade and the Passion Facade of Sagrada Familia.

FeatureNativity FacadePassion Facade
LocationEastern sideWestern side
Towers representApostles Matthew, Barnabas, Jude, and SimonApostles James, Thomas, Philip, and Bartholomew
ThemesBirth and childhood of Jesus ChristSuffering and death of Jesus Christ
SymbolismLife, creation, joy, and lightMisery, sacrifice, and darkness
Design styleOrnate, detailed, and naturalisticAustere, plain, and simple
Materials usedRich decorations with intricate carvings and sculpturesBare stones with solid, straight lines
Scenes depictedImmaculate Conception, birth of Jesus, visit of the MagiLast Supper, Crucifixion, and Entombment
Construction periodCompleted in 1935 under Gaudí’s supervisionBegan in 1954 and completed in 2018
OrientationFaces north-east, symbolizing the rising sun and birthFaces west, symbolizing the setting sun and death
Visitor experienceWelcoming and joyfulSolemn and reflective

Whichever tower you decide on—Nativity facade or Passion facade—you will need a Sagrada Familia Tower ticket. So what will it be? A regular Tower ticket or a guided tour? 🎟️

Passion facade or Nativity facade: Detailed Answer 🔎

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Image: Justfunfacts.com

Most visitors to the Sagrada Familia prefer the Nativity Facade 👆 over the Passion Facade. 👇

Even the guides who escort visitors to both towers report greater satisfaction among tourists who visit the Nativity Facade.

Here are some reasons why we think Nativity Facade is better 🏆

  1. Authenticity: Antoni Gaudi himself designed and built the Nativity Facade. Visiting this section allows you to experience the work of the original architect of the Sagrada Familia.
  2. Connecting bridge: A bridge connects the two towers of the Nativity Facade. After taking the elevator, you can walk across this bridge for breathtaking views. The Passion Facade lacks such a feature.
  3. Close-up details: Standing on the bridge, you can observe intricate details of the towers up close.
  4. Balcony views: On your descent from the Nativity Facade, you can access balconies that offer enhanced views of the tower’s details.
  5. Panoramic views: From the Nativity Tower, you get a panoramic view of the city and the mountain range behind Barcelona. In contrast, the Passion Tower offers views of the ocean. For a comprehensive bird’s-eye view of Barcelona, the Nativity Facade is superior.
  6. Ideal lighting for photos: The Nativity Facade is best visited in the afternoon. After 12 pm, the sun is behind you, providing perfect lighting for photos of your family, friends, and the Basilica. 📸

Whichever Tower you opt for, check out the best time to visit Sagrada Familia.

Should you buy a Sagrada Familia tower ticket? 🎟️

Sagrada Familia ticketsPin

Great! Now that you know which of the two Sagrada Familia towers is better, let us tell you a few conditions under which tourists don’t or can’t go up the towers.

You need to know this before you go ahead and buy the Sagrada Familia Tower ticket.

After all, why spend extra on tower tickets if you won’t go up one of the towers?

  • Do you have kids younger than six years? Younger kids aren’t allowed to go up the towers.
  • Do you get claustrophobic on a narrow, dimly lit staircase? Everyone who goes up the towers must come down by walking 400 steps – there is no elevator.
  • Does your day have a packed itinerary? If you have other plans and cannot spare the 45 to 60 minutes needed for the tower experience, it’s best to avoid it.

If you answered yes to any of the above, we suggest you get the basic entry tickets and look at the Sagrada Familia towers and facades from the outside.

Ticket without Tower access 💰

Tourists who prefer not to go up the Sagrada Familia Towers opt for this Fast Track ticket. It saves time by allowing them to skip the lines and money as it is the cheapest option. The ticket also includes an audio guide, which you can collect at the entrance.

Self guided ticket (€34) Guided ticket (€49)

Ticket with Tower access 💰💰

Tower tickets grant access to the basilica and one of its towers. They are available in two forms: a self-guided ticket and a guided tour. With both, you take an exclusive elevator ride to the top of one of the Sagrada Familia towers, offering stunning panoramic views of Barcelona’s cityscape.

Additionally, you can visit the Sagrada Museum to learn about the history and significance of this iconic monument.

Self guided ticket (€47) Guided ticket (€74)

Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) built seven fantastic structures in and around Barcelona, shaping the city into a work of art. On your Barcelona holiday, visit Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà—iconic examples of his creativity. And, of course, the Gaudí House Museum, which was once his home.

Things to know before buying tower tickets 💁‍♀️

Now that you have selected your favorite between the Nativity and Passion facades and have agreed to buy tower tickets, here are a few points to know.

  1. Cost savings: Buying Tower tickets online helps you avoid the ‘ticketing window surcharge,’ making online tickets cheaper. 💰
  2. Skip the lines: Online tickets allow you to skip the notoriously long lines at the Sagrada Familia ticket counters. 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️
  3. They sell out: During peak season, Tower tickets usually sell out two to three weeks before. 🤬
  4. No printouts needed: You don’t need to print your tickets. You can show the ticket on your phone at the entrance on the day of your visit. 📄
  5. Age restrictions: Children under six cannot climb the Nativity or Passion Towers. They can still explore the rest of the attraction with you. 🧑‍🧒
  6. Tower selection: During peak season, you may be unable to choose which Tower to visit. Access to either the Passion facade or Nativity facade tower depends on availability. ❌

Despite the limitations in choosing the Tower for your visit, the Sagrada Familia Tower experience is unforgettable and well worth it.

Unfortunately, you can’t select your Tower
Until early 2019, visitors could choose between ascending the Passion facade tower or the Nativity facade tower at Sagrada Familia. However, this option is no longer available. Now, when booking either a self-guided tower ticket or a guided Sagrada Familia & tower ticket, you cannot select a specific tower in advance. On the day of your visit, officials will direct you to one of the towers based on availability.


Recommended


Towers at Sagrada Familia 🏰

When fully completed, the Basilica will feature 18 towers, though currently, only twelve are completed.

These towers vary in height, with each one’s height reflecting the importance of the biblical figure it represents.

Layout of Sagrada Familia TowersPin
This infographic explains the 18 Towers of Sagrada Familia, the Biblical figure they represent, and their respective location within the Basilica.

The Sagrada Familia is a unique architectural masterpiece. Its central tower, dedicated to Jesus Christ, stands tall in the middle. The four tall towers surrounding the central one symbolize the four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

These Evangelists wrote the four official Gospels, regarded as the Word of God, positioning them closest to Jesus. For those unfamiliar, the Gospels are books that document Jesus’s life and teachings. 🕊️✝📖

Towards the Basilica’s rear lies the apse, topped by a towering structure dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Though the Virgin Mary’s tower should have been the second tallest, Antoni Gaudi, a devout Catholic, designed it slightly shorter than the Evangelists’ towers. The star atop identifies it as the Virgin Mary’s tower.

In addition to these six towers, there are 12 more representing the 12 Apostles, Jesus’s primary disciples. These Apostles’ towers form the three facades of the Basilica, creating a harmonious and symbolic layout that ties the structure’s spiritual significance to its architectural grandeur.

Once completed, the 18 towers of the Sagrada Familia will create an awe-inspiring skyline. Each one is a testament to faith and artistry, offering visitors an unparalleled glimpse into Antoni Gaudi’s visionary genius.

Facades at Sagrada Familia 🧔🏻‍♀️

Sagrada Familia Cathedral features three facades: the Nativity Facade, the Passion Facade, and the Glory Facade.

Only twelve of the 18 planned towers have been fully constructed. Four of these completed towers are part of the Nativity Facade, four belong to the Passion Facade, and the remaining four are dedicated to the Evangelists.

A facade is essentially a combination of towers that together create a specific visual perspective for the viewer.

Nativity facade

The Nativity Facade is one of the three main facades of the Sagrada Familia.

As the sun rises in the east, it bathes the Nativity Facade in a golden glow, symbolizing new beginnings and the birth of Jesus. This unique experience should not be missed.

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Image: Barcelonacheckin.com

Under the personal guidance of the master architect Antoni Gaudí, this facade was completed in 1935.

The Nativity Facade features four towers dedicated to the Apostles Matthew, Barnabas, Jude, and Simon.

The Nativity Facade’s view beautifully depicts scenes from Jesus’s birth and childhood, starting with the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary and ending with Jesus’s early years.

Gaudí’s unique style is evident in the detailed sculptures and carvings of plants, animals, and biblical figures.

The facade represents life and joy.

The facade is a masterpiece of intricate scenes, meticulously carved with great detail. From the Holy Family to the Annunciation and the visit of the Magi, each scene tells a part of the nativity story, inviting you to delve deeper into its rich symbolism.

Did you know?
Five million people visit Sagrada Familia in Barcelona annually, making it the second most visited tourist attraction after the Great Wall of China, which receives 10 million visitors annually.

Passion Facade

The Passion Facade faces west and catches the setting sun’s light, symbolizing the end of Jesus’s life.

This facade was constructed between 1954 and 2018, long after Gaudí’s time but following his detailed plans.

The Passion Facade view features four towers dedicated to the Apostles James, Thomas, Philip, and Bartholomew.

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Image: Bluffton.edu

Unlike the Nativity Facade, which is rich and ornate, the Passion Facade is stark, austere, and plain, reflecting Jesus Christ’s suffering and death.

Gaudí, the mastermind behind the Sagrada Familia, intentionally designed the Passion Facade to contrast sharply with the Nativity Facade.

The sculptures, carved from bare stone, are characterized by solid, straight lines forming angular and rigid shapes. This deliberate choice conveys the harshness and brutality of Jesus’s final hours.

You can see scenes from the Last Supper to the Crucifixion and Entombment on this facade.

While standing in front of the Passion Facade, you will surely feel some pain – somewhere deep in your heart.

Glory facade

The Glory Facade is poised to be the most striking of all three facades.

The south-facing facade comprises four towers dedicated to the Apostles Andrew, Peter, Paul, and James the Greater.

It is named for its dedication to the Glory of Jesus and represents the road to God, encompassing themes of death, final judgment, and eternal glory.

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Image: Barcelonacheckin.com

The Glory Facade is designed as the basilica’s grand entrance and, once completed, will be the tallest of all Sagrada Familia towers.

Construction began in 2002, but only the foundations for the enormous towers are in place, with decorative work yet to start. It is expected to be completed by 2026.

Its grandeur will be enhanced by the inclusion of the Seven Deadly Sins and the Seven Heavenly Virtues, a large central archway, and intricate sculptures that vividly tell the story of the spiritual journey towards God.

The Glory Facade, which represents the Christian path to divine glory, contrasts the themes of life and death depicted in the Nativity and Passion Facades.

Are Sagrada Familia towers worth it? 👌

Many tourists wonder if visiting the Sagrada Familia Towers is worth it because of the long ticket lines, extra cost, and large crowds. Our answer is simple: Yes, it’s worth it!

Not everyone who visits Sagrada Familia goes up the towers. Some people skip it because they don’t have enough time or money (you must pay extra to go up).

We highly recommend visiting the towers if you have the time and money. It’s totally worth it. 👌 The inside of Sagrada Familia is amazing, but the view from the towers is also stunning. From there, you can see the detailed work on the facades that you can’t see from the ground. You’ll also get incredible views of Barcelona from the top. Plus, you can see the construction work on this huge monument up close.

If you can, go up one of the Sagrada Familia towers. It’s an experience you will remember. 💯

Convinced? Book a self-guided Sagrada Familia + Tower ticket or a guided tour of Sagrada Familia with a Tower visit.

Still not sure? Follow the link to find out why we think Sagrada Familia towers are worth visiting.

Facts About Sagrada Familia: Did you know that George Orwell famously remarked that the Sagrada Familia Basilica is “one of the most hideous buildings in the world.”

Gaudi Immortalized!
There are sculptures portraying Sagrada’s architect, Antoni Gaudí, on the church’s two completed façades. Gaudí is depicted as Saint Joseph on the Nativity façade and as Jesus’ beloved disciple, Saint John, on the Passion façade.

Tower tickets FAQs 🙋‍♀️

Here are some questions visitors usually ask before visiting the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona.

Can I purchase Sagrada Familia Towers tickets online?

Visitors can buy Sagrada Familia’s Tower tickets online. You can book Sagrada Familia entry with a self-guided tour of the Tower or opt for a guided tour of the Tower, which is costlier.

Do I need advance tickets for Sagrada Familia Towers?

Even though it is not a must, we recommend you buy Sagrada Familia Tower tickets before visiting the attraction. If you already have the tickets when you reach Sagrada Familia, you can avoid standing in the long lines at the ticketing counter.

Can I upgrade to the Towers ticket with the basic Sagrada Familia ticket?

Once you reach the attraction, you can upgrade your regular ticket and add a Tower visit. However, they will be subject to availability at that time.

Can I buy same-day Sagrada Familia Tower tickets?

You can purchase same-day Sagrada Familia tickets online or from the Sagrada Familia’s ticket office. During peak hours, you may have to wait at the ticket counter for more than an hour, which you can avoid if you buy the tickets online. Besides, there is a surcharge on tickets purchased at the ticket office.

With a Sagrada Familia ticket purchased online, can I immediately enter the attraction?

Yes, you can show the ticket you received in your email (after the purchase) and walk in. You DO NOT need to take any printouts or show the ticket in your email to get a physical one.

Can kids go up to Sagrada Familia towers?

As a safety measure, only children over six years can go up the Sagrada Familia Towers. An adult must accompany kids under 16 years of age.

How do I get the Sagrada Familia Towers ticket if they are sold out?

A limited number of self-guided Tower tickets are sold every day. If they sell out, your next best option is to book a guided tour of the Towers.

Should I buy the regular tickets or Tower tickets at Sagrada Familia? 

Ninety percent of the visitors to Sagrada Familia opt for the Fast Track ticket, which doesn’t get you access to the Towers. If you qualify for any of the conditions below, you must buy the Sagrada Familia Tower ticket –

1. You love Antonio Gaudi’s work
2. You want to explore Sagrada Familia better
3. You have time on your hands
4. Money isn’t a concern (Tower tickets are costlier!)
5. You are NOT traveling with kids younger than ten years

If I buy an online Tower ticket, which Sagrada Familia entrance should I use?

If you have booked a self-guided Tower ticket, enter Sagrada Familia from the Marina side and show your smartphone ticket at the entrance. If you have booked a guided tour of the Sagrada Familia Tower from us, show your smartphone ticket to your guide at the Quiosc Bar at Plaza de Gaudí across the street from Sagrada Familia. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of your tour.

With one Sagrada Familia Tower ticket, how many Towers can I see? 

You can only go up one of the Towers with one Sagrada Familia Tower ticket. Until recently, you could decide which Tower you want to go up on – Nativity or Passion – but this has changed since the beginning of 2019. When Tower ticket holders walk in, someone will usher them toward one of the Basilica’s Towers.

Can I go from one Sagrada Familia Tower to the other?

No, you can’t because the Nativity Tower and the Passion Tower are not connected. If you plan to see both the Towers, you must buy two Tower tickets.

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Researched & written by
Jamshed is a versatile traveler, equally drawn to the vibrant energy of city escapes and the peaceful solitude of remote getaways. On some trips, he indulges in resort hopping, while on others, he spends little time in his accommodation, fully immersing himself in the destination. A passionate foodie, Jamshed delights in exploring local cuisines, with a particular love for flavorful non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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