The Sagrada Família, now an emblematic symbol of Barcelona, traces its origins to a spark of devotion in the heart of 19th-century Catalonia. In 1866, José María Bocabella, a bookseller and philanthropist, founded the Association of Devotees of Saint Joseph and dreamt of building a church dedicated to the Holy Family. His vision culminated in 1882 when land was purchased in Barcelona’s Eixample, and the neo-Gothic design by Francisco de Paula del Villar took shape, beginning with the crypt and first cornerstone placed on March 19, Saint Joseph’s Day.

However, just a year later, in 1883, conflicts led to Villar’s resignation. Advised by Joan Martorell, Bocabella turned to a young Antoni Gaudí, then emerging in Barcelona’s architectural scene. Gaudí accepted the commission and immediately departed from the neo-Gothic framework. Instead, he infused the design with organic forms, natural geometry, and deeply layered symbolism, reimagining it as a “Bible in stone”—a daring blend of faith and artistry.

Gaudí’s unique vision became the project’s enduring soul. What started as a modest devotional initiative evolved into one of the world’s most extraordinary architectural marvels—still growing, still inspiring. To walk through this fascinating journey of faith and creativity, plan your visit via the official site: Ticket Sagrada Familia.