Jaw-dropping Sagrada Familia photos and where to snap them

Walk into the nave and boom—you’re bathed in rainbow light. Gaudí’s stained glass windows catch sunlight at different times of the day, flooding the interior with bold, shifting hues.

Best shot: Stand halfway down the nave and face the altar.

Time to shoot: Noon to early afternoon for max color.

Pro tip: Lower your camera angle to capture the full column height and glass above.

Look up. The ceiling mimics a canopy of trees, with branching stone “limbs” and glowing light wells.

Best shot: Lie on a bench or crouch low and shoot straight up.

Gear tip: A wide-angle lens helps capture the full height.

If you join a guided tour, you might get access to the upper choir area. It offers a symmetrical view down the nave, perfect for minimalist, centered shots.

Best shot: Shoot through the balustrades for a framed look.

Mobile trick: Use grid lines to center your shot perfectly.

These snail-shell staircases inside the towers are tight but stunning. They're famous for that spiral, descending vortex effect.

Best shot: Top-down or bottom-up, centered.

Pro tip: Hold your phone or camera over the middle carefully (use a wrist strap).

The altar area features subdued lighting and a glowing Christ figure suspended from a canopy. There’s also intricate stonework around the apse.

Best shot: Symmetrical center shot with the altar framed by the columns.

Tip: Be mindful—photos are allowed, but keep quiet and avoid blocking visitors.

Gaudí painted with light here! Cool blues and greens dominate one side, while fiery reds and oranges blaze on the other.

Best shot: Get close to the glass, angle slightly to catch both color and shadow.

Mobile tip: Use HDR mode to balance the brightness.