Sagrada Familia to Welcome Visitors for Complimentary Access During Winter Festival
Barcelona's magnificent Sagrada Familia basilica has announced it will open its doors to the public for two entirely free open days this February, continuing a cherished annual tradition. The celebrated Unesco World Heritage site will offer complimentary entry on February 14 from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM and February 15 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, inviting thousands to experience Antoni Gaudí's architectural masterpiece without charge.
Celebrating Festa Santa Eulàlia with Public Access
This marks the fifth consecutive year that the basilica has participated in Barcelona's Festa Santa Eulàlia, the Catalonian capital's vibrant winter festival honoring the city's co-patron saint. The festival typically features spectacular parades, traditional "human towers" known as castells, and exhilarating fire runs through the streets. According to the basilica's official website, "On the occasion of the festivities of Santa Eulàlia, the Sagrada Família invites citizens to visit the Basilica for free with two Open Days."
Registration Process and Additional Opportunities
Prospective visitors must register for a ticket draw between February 2 and February 8, with successful applicants notified the following Monday. For Barcelona residents unsuccessful in the draw, the basilica is offering 50 percent discounted entry tickets throughout 2026 to commemorate the centenary of Antoni Gaudí's passing. This special discount forms part of a broader "Gaudí Year" initiative endorsed by The Gaudí Council, an advisory body to the Catalan Ministry of Culture, aiming to increase public awareness of the architect's extraordinary legacy.
Historical Context and Completion Timeline
The basilica's management has programmed an extensive series of events from autumn 2025 through Christmas 2026 to honor Gaudí's memory. A church spokesperson emphasized that "this anniversary is not only an architectural milestone, it is also a celebration, a remembrance, and a collective tribute." Notably, the Sagrada Familia is scheduled for final completion in 2027, approximately 144 years after construction commenced in 1882. When Gaudí died tragically in 1926, his visionary project was only 15 percent realized.
Standard Visiting Information
Under normal circumstances, visiting the Roman Catholic basilica requires purchased tickets, with basic entry starting around €26 (approximately £22) and premium options including tower access or guided tours reaching €40 (approximately £35). The forthcoming free open days provide a rare opportunity for both locals and tourists to explore this global architectural icon during one of Barcelona's most culturally significant festivals.
