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

Are you trying to decide between the Passion Facade or Nativity Facade at Sagrada Familia?

It’s a common question for anyone visiting this iconic basilica in Barcelona. You only get to choose one tower with your ticket — so making the right choice really matters.

Let’s help you decide which side is better to climb, what makes each facade special, and how to plan your visit smartly.

Top Tickets

# Sagrada Familia entry + tower access
# Guided tour of Sagrada Familia with tower access

Why You Can’t Visit Both Facades

You cannot explore both the Passion and Nativity towers on the same visit.

• Each Tower Access ticket only includes one facade — Passion or Nativity.
• There is no bridge or pathway connecting the two.
• To see both, you’d need to buy two separate tickets and enter twice, which takes more time and money. And frankly, the towers are not worth two visits.

That’s why most visitors carefully choose which tower to climb — and we’ll help you do the same.

Quick Comparison: Nativity vs Passion Facade

If you have decided, you can book a self-guided Sagrada Familia + Tower ticket or a guided tour of Sagrada Familia with a Tower visit.

Visual Story: 12 must-know tips before visiting Sagrada Familia

Our Recommendation: Climb the Nativity Facade

If you want the full Gaudí experience, the Nativity Tower is the winner — and most tourists agree. Here’s why it stands out:

Designed by Gaudí himself

The Nativity Facade is the only part of Sagrada Familia that Gaudí completed before his death. Every curve, carving, and sculpted bird or flower reflects his unique style and deep faith.

Stunning Bridge Walk

After taking the elevator up, you get to walk across a stone bridge connecting the two Nativity towers. It’s an unforgettable moment — you’re up close with the facade’s details, while panoramic views open up all around you.

Incredible Views

From the Nativity Tower, you can see the mountains behind Barcelona, rooftops of the old town, and even the blue Mediterranean Sea. It’s a beautiful way to take in the city’s geography.

Great for Photography

Visit after 12 PM and the sun will be behind you, lighting up your face, your friends, and the backdrop perfectly. It’s ideal for photos — no shadows or glare.

Comfortable Descent

The spiral staircase going down from this tower is wider and better lit, making it easier for most people — especially those who aren’t fans of tight, narrow steps.

Why Some Still Prefer the Passion Facade

That said, the Passion Facade has a unique appeal of its own. Here’s what makes it special:

• The sculptures are bold and haunting, showing scenes from the last days of Jesus — from betrayal to crucifixion.
• This facade is emotionally powerful. You may not find beauty in the traditional sense, but you will feel something deeper.
• It’s usually less crowded, so if you’re looking for a quieter, more meditative experience, this could be the right pick.
• In the morning light, the west-facing facade glows warmly, adding contrast to its heavy story.

If you’re someone who enjoys minimalist art, symbolism, or intense spiritual storytelling, you may be drawn to the Passion Facade.

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

What Are These Towers, Anyway?

When complete, Sagrada Familia will have 18 towers, each symbolizing a key biblical figure.

• 12 Towers for the Apostles, grouped into the three facades (Nativity, Passion, Glory)
• 4 Towers for the Evangelists — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — surrounding the central tower
• 1 Tower for the Virgin Mary, facing the city
• 1 Central Tower for Jesus Christ, the tallest of all, still under construction

Gaudí designed these towers to reflect the hierarchy of the Christian faith. The higher the tower, the closer the figure is to God.

Best time to visit: Irrespective of the Sagrada Familia facade you opt for, some times are better than others.

Still not sure? Find out why Sagrada Familia towers are worth visiting.

The Three Facades of Sagrada Familia: A Closer Look

1. Nativity Facade – East Side

• Built under Gaudí’s supervision, completed in 1935
• Dedicated to the birth of Jesus
• Decorated with carvings of plants, animals, angels, and biblical figures
• Nativity facade’s view is full of joy, light, and life
• Towers dedicated to: Matthew, Barnabas, Jude, and Simon

This is the most vibrant and richly detailed part of the basilica. It’s also the most popular among visitors and Gaudí enthusiasts.

2. Passion Facade – West Side

• Built between 1954 and 2018, post-Gaudí
• Depicts the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus
• Sharp lines, bare stone sculptures, minimal ornamentation
• Designed to be painful and unsettling, just like the story it tells
• Towers dedicated to: James, Thomas, Philip, and Bartholomew

You will see scenes like the Last Supper, Jesus carrying the cross, and his burial, carved with brutal realism. The artist Josep Maria Subirachs followed Gaudí’s vision but added his modernist touch to the Passion facade’s view.

3. Glory Facade – South Side (Still Under Construction)

• Will be the grand main entrance when complete
• Represents life, death, judgment, and eternal glory
• Towers dedicated to: Andrew, Peter, Paul, and James the Greater
• Expected to be finished around 2026

This facade will include visual representations of heaven and hell, the Seven Deadly Sins, and Christian virtues. It’s the most ambitious of the three and will likely be the tallest and most dramatic.

Final Tips for Visiting the Towers

• Choose your time wisely:
  • Visit the Nativity Facade in the afternoon
  • Visit the Passion Facade in the morning
• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll need to walk down steep spiral stairs, especially if elevators are unavailable.
• Don’t skip the Basilica interior: The inside of Sagrada Familia is just as mind-blowing as the towers. Arrive early to explore both.
• Book tickets in advance: Tower access is limited and sells out fast, especially for the Nativity side.

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.

Conclusion: Passion Facade or Nativity Facade?

For the most complete and uplifting experience, opt for the Nativity Facade.

• It’s Gaudí’s original vision.
• It offers better views, good lighting for photography, and a bridge walk.
• Most visitors leave it feeling inspired and amazed.

But if you’re looking for drama, emotion, and deeper symbolism, the Passion Facade is worth considering.

Either way, you’ll come away with a whole new appreciation for Gaudí’s genius, the meaning behind the architecture, and the spiritual energy of Sagrada Familia.