The Nativity Façade of Sagrada Familia serves as the church’s current main entrance – for the time being.
The walls recount the birth of Christ interspersed with vibrant, colourful scenes of nature.
That said, the Sagrada Familia Nativity Facade should be studied before it is seen… so let’s take a look.
La Sagrada Familia Nativity Facade Info
The Nativity Facade was constructed between 1894 and 1930, making it the oldest Sagrada Familia façade.
Believe it or not, it’s actually the only portion of Sagrada Familia that Gaudi saw fully completed during his lifetime.
In general, it’s the spot where we feel the energy of new life – a stark contrast to the Passion Facade.
⚠️ 2023 Warning ⚠️: It’s now mandatory to book your Sagrada Familia tickets in advance.
The only way to guarantee your spot is by booking Sagrada Familia tickets online:
- 🎟️ Buy now: Sagrada Familia Fast Track Admission (skip the lines)
- 👨✈️ Buy now: Sagrada Familia Guided Tours in English (90 minute guided tour – double the length!)
- 🗼Buy now: Sagrada Familia Entrance + Towers (access all five floors)
Antoni Gaudí dedicated himself to this project for several years, incorporating his unique architectural style and infusing it with intricate details and profound symbolism.
The Nativity Facade is a celebration of life, nature, and spirituality.
It depicts various scenes from the birth of Jesus, as well as elements inspired by Catalan culture and Gaudí’s own imagination.
⛪ Want to unlock the symbolism of Sagrada Familia? Book one of the best Sagrada Familia tours.
One of the most striking features of the Nativity Facade is its wealth of detail.
The sculptures and reliefs depict characters from the biblical story, such as the Holy Family, angels, shepherds, and the Three Wise Men.
Gaudí paid meticulous attention to even the smallest details, capturing the expressions, movements, and emotions of the figures with remarkable precision.
Beyond the biblical scenes, the Nativity Facade also incorporates elements inspired by nature.
Intricate carvings of plants, animals, and other organic forms intertwine with the figures, creating a harmonious blend of the divine and the earthly.
Gaudí’s profound respect for Catalan culture is evident in the Nativity Facade. The sculptures and reliefs also incorporate elements of local traditions, costumes, and folklore, celebrating the unique identity of the region.
Things to See on the Nativity Facade of Sagrada Familia
Take some of my tips for visiting Sagrada Familia with this stunning facade in mind.
At the end of the day, you shouldn’t be walking away from the Nativity Facade without seeing:
- Three dedicated portals in total
- Joseph (The Portal of Hope, on the left)
- Mary (The Portal of Faith, on the right)
- Jesus (The Portal of Charity, in the middle)
- Turtles holding up the columns (symbolizing old world wisdom)
- The Tree of Life surrounded by doves
- Four bell towers
How to See the Nativity Facade
Visitors to the Sagrada Familia are encouraged to take their time exploring the intricate details of the Nativity Facade.
To do so you’ll need tickets – and it is mandatory to book your time slots in advance online.
Tickets can be bought using the button below:
Also, the best way to absorb every last artistic and historical detail is with a guided tour in English:
Still Wondering About the Nativity Façade at Sagrada Familia?
I hope I’ve shared some of the more intricate details of the Nativity Facade, in order to get you excited about an upcoming visit.
Each sculptural element and relief tells a story, inviting contemplation and reflection on the beauty of the birth of Christ and the rich tapestry of human experience – I hope you get the same feeling!
Enjoy the Nativity Facade 🙂
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