Sagrat Cor Barcelona | A Complete Guide

Sagrat Cor Barcelona

The Temple of Tibidabo, also known as the Temple of Expiatori del Sagrat Cor de Jesus is a Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, Spain's Catalonia. It was founded in 1961. The Sagrat Cor church is the luminous structure at the highest part of Barcelona's greatest mountain, Mount Tibidabo, which overlooks the city from the west. Entry to Sagrat Cor and the crypt within is free, you will only have to pay a small fee of €3 to use the lift and go to the top to see the views.

Why Visit Sagrat Cor Barcelona?

sagrat cor barcelona
  • The architect Enric Sagnier designed the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor. The statue is 512 meters tall and is the best view one can have.
  • Sagrat Cor in Barcelona is open all year, but the summer and spring are the perfect times to visit.
  • Both neo-gothic and modern styles are evident at Sagrat Cor in Barcelona
  • The church is a wonderful place to pray with your family, and it also offers a variety of community service opportunities.

Sagrat Cor Barcelona Highlights

Fort-Style Architecture

The monumental Neo-Gothic church is reached via two grand outdoor stairways. The lower part of the church, the crypt, is made of stone from the Montjuic hill.   The upper church has an octagonal dome backed by eight columns in the center. The interior, on the other hand, is divided into a nave and two aisles separated by semicircular apses.

Statues & Sculptures

The bronze statue of the Sacred Heart, which he created in 1950, decorates the church. It overtakes the original, which was built in 1935 by Frederic Marès and devastated in the same year as the Spanish Civil War broke out. The journey from the crypt to the church and finally to the sculpture represents the human condition's upsurge and purification through sacrifice and forgiveness.

Rose Windows & Stained Glass

The rose window evolved from the oculus, a small round window found in Ancient Roman architecture, but rose windows became popular with the development of Gothic architecture in the mid-twelfth century. With the stained-glass windows and four rose windows on the architectural features or external walls,  the chapel has its own uniqueness.

The Crypt

The crypt was structured in a neo-Byzantine style that combined Gothic as well as classical elements with Modernisme-inspired decoration. The crypt is divided into five naves by columns, the central one being the largest and all having semicircular apses. The altar dedications of Mary Help of Christians, St. Anthony of Padua, the Blessed Sacrament, Saint Joseph, and the Virgin of Montserrat are depicted in alabaster or mosaics on the wall surfaces and vaults.

Main Altar

The large crucifix on the main altar was created by Joan Puigdollers. Pius X, John the Evangelist, Marguerite Marie Alacoque, and John Bosco are honored in the presbytery's windows. On the left altar, five stained glasses honor devotions such as the Virgin of Antipolo (Philippines), Our Lady of Luján,  and others. In the windows of the four towers, the Latin phrase Tibi Dabo ("I'll give you"), the mountain's name, is written.

Statue of Jesus

There are statues of the Twelve Apostles sculpted by Josep Miret in addition to the lower towers The main central tower is topped by an enormous bronze statue of the Sacred Heart.

History of Sagrat Cor Barcelona in a Nutshell

  • The idea of building a Catholic church on Mount Tibidabo's summit first arose in the late 1800s.
  • Saint John Bosco had the idea of constructing a structure dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus when he visited Barcelona. While there is no direct historical evidence of Sagrat Cor, the Temple's construction was an act of defiance. Sant Joan Bosco overcame all odds to build Sagrat Cor, fearing that a Protestant temple would be built in the area. The Board of Catholic Knights bought the land and gave it to John Bosco. A chapel was built over time, and work on the Temple of the Sacred Heart began in 1902. Villavecchia started the project, and Vidal finished it in 1961.
  • However, due to the development of a new project to build an astronomical observatory on Tibidabo's summit, which was eventually built on a nearby hill, the church construction project was postponed indefinitely.
  • Finally, on December 28, 1902, the very first rock was laid in a ceremony presided over by Bishop of Barcelona, Salvador Casaas I Pagès.
  • Between 1903 and 1911, the crypt was built, and between 1915 and 1951, the main church was built. The towers were completed after that, and the project was officially completed in 1961. 

Plan Your Visit to Sagrat Cor Barcelona

Sagrat Cor
  • 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. from November to February.
  • In March, April, May, and October, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. from June to September.
  • The Crypt is open from 8 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. every day.
Sagrat Cor

Sagrat Cor is located at Cumbre del Tibidabo, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.

  • The Tibibus is the most efficient mode of transportation to Sagrat Cor. The T2A Tibibus bus runs from Placa de Catalunya to the summit, transporting both tourists and locals. 
  • You can also take the FGC Line 7. The Tramvia Blau can be boarded by exiting at Avinguda Tibidabo. When visitors arrive at the Funicular del Tibidabo, they can walk up to the destination.
  • Finally, FGC S1 or S2 is an option. The Vallvidrera is accessible from the Peu de Funicular. After that, you can take bus 111 to the top.
Sagrat Cor

You can always rest a little and go to the nearby restaurants for having a delicious meal after buying the Sagrat Cor Tickets or after visiting the whole Sagrat Cor.

  • Bar Restaurant Marisa: This is a restaurant near Sagrat Cor with a rating of 4.5. You should definitely visit here for having a good meal.

  • Asador de Aranda: With a rating of 4.4, this restaurant near the Sagrat Cor, is a must-try restaurant, if you love food.

Sagrat Cor

Attractions near Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor which visitors must visit are:

Visitor Tips

  • Although there is no formal dress code at Sagrat Cor, because it is a place of worship, an informal dress code is observed. Short clothing is not permitted, and both men and women must cover their shoulders. Men are asked to remove their hats during certain religious services and holidays, while women are asked to cover their heads.
  • Restraints have been put in place at the regional level.
  • Travel between regions is permitted.
  • Wear a mask before visiting Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor.
  • Explore the Tibidabo Amusement Park which is nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sagrat Cor

Located on Mount Tibidabo in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, minor basilica and the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor is a Roman Catholic church.