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.
Top Tickets
# Sagrada Familia entry + tower access
# Guided tour of Sagrada Familia with tower Access
# Barcelona Pass
What’s ahead
Quick comparison between the two facades
Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Nativity Facade and the Passion Facade of Sagrada Familia.
If you are in a hurry, the information in this table should help you decide whether to go up the Passion facade or Nativity facade.
| Feature | Nativity Facade | Passion Facade |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Eastern side | Western side |
| Towers Represent | Apostles Matthew, Barnabas, Jude, and Simon | Apostles James, Thomas, Philip, and Bartholomew |
| Themes | Birth and childhood of Jesus Christ | Suffering and death of Jesus Christ |
| Symbolism | Life, creation, joy, and light | Misery, sacrifice, and darkness |
| Design Style | Ornate, detailed, and naturalistic | Austere, plain, and simple |
| Materials Used | Rich decorations with intricate carvings and sculptures | Bare stones with solid, straight lines |
| Scenes Depicted | Immaculate Conception, birth of Jesus, visit of the Magi | Last Supper, Crucifixion, and Entombment |
| Construction Period | Completed in 1935 under Gaudí’s supervision | Began in 1954 and completed in 2018 |
| Orientation | Faces north-east, symbolizing the rising sun and birth | Faces west, symbolizing the setting sun and death |
| Visitor Experience | Welcoming and joyful | Solemn 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?
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Passion facade or Nativity facade: Detailed Answer
The Nativity Tower is the better choice at Sagrada Familia due to its stunning panoramic views of the sea and mountains, intricate design crafted by Gaudí himself, and a wider, well-lit staircase for a more comfortable descent.
In fact, 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.
Let us explain why the Nativity Facade is better in more detail.
- 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.
- 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.
- Close-Up Details: Standing on the bridge, you can observe intricate details of the towers up close.
- Balcony Views: On your descent from the Nativity Facade, you can access balconies that offer enhanced views of the tower’s details.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Must See Visual Story: 12 must-know tips before visiting Sagrada Familia
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 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.”
If you want to go up one of the Sagrada Familia Towers to see the views of Barcelona city, I suggest either Park Güell or Teleférico del Puerto. Don’t get me wrong – Sagrada Familia towers are a good experience, but not the best options for city views.
Hello, in this post you mention that the Nativity towers are best after 12 noon because the sun will be at your back. However, in your post on The best time to visit Sagrada Familia, you state the exact opposite, that it’s best to visit Nativity towers in the morning because the sun is at your back. Can you please tell me which is correct? Specifically, I’m planning to visit in mid-September. Thanks.
I loved how you have covered the entire information on Sagrada Familia. I have a question, as i will be visiting this beauty in September 2021, do i still have an option of selecting facade? Because somewhere on google i read, that visitors can view only the basilica can be & not the facades due to covid?
Thank you, it is a very informative article. Now I am sure that I want to see the Nativity facade during my visit to Sagrada Familia.
If I have lots of time and don’t mind buying tickets for both the Passion and Nativity Towers, can I visit them both in a day?
Yes Peter, you can. Just that you –
1. Need to buy two tickets to go up both the towers
2. Since the facades are not connected, you will need to go up both the Towers one by one.
Thank you jamshed