Barcelona’s iconic La Sagrada Familia will open its doors for free this September, offering 20,000 tickets to the public as part of the city’s La Mercè festival celebrations. Typically, entry to this world-famous basilica costs around €29.50, making this a rare opportunity for both locals and tourists.

La Mercè Festival: A Celebration of Culture and Community

La Mercè, celebrated from September 21 to 24, is Barcelona’s largest public street festival, held in honor of the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of Mercy. During these festivities, the Sagrada Familia will allow visitors to explore the basilica without charge, providing a unique glimpse into the current state of the building, which remains under construction with a projected completion date of 2026—over a century after the death of its master architect, Antoni Gaudí.

How to Get Your Free Tickets

The free tickets aren’t just available at the door; they’re distributed through an online lottery system. Interested visitors must register on the Sagrada Familia’s official website between September 9 and 16. Winners will be notified via email between September 17 and 18, confirming their allocated time slots during the festival days. This ensures an organized flow of visitors, allowing everyone to fully appreciate the architectural marvel without the usual crowds.

A Glimpse Into Gaudí’s Masterpiece

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sagrada Familia is not only known for its towering spires and intricate facades but also for its breathtaking interior. The basilica’s stained glass windows capture sunlight in a symphony of colors, creating a magical atmosphere inside. Its towering columns, inspired by trees, guide the eye upward to the magnificent vaulted ceiling, reflecting Gaudí’s vision of nature-inspired architecture.

This year’s La Mercè provides a perfect opportunity to experience this ongoing masterpiece up close, without the usual admission fee. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor from afar, don’t miss the chance to explore one of Barcelona’s most cherished landmarks for free.

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Image: Shutterstock/Pajor Pawel