The expiatory church of the Sacred Heart (in Catalan, Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor) is a minor basilica located at the top of Mount Tibidabo, about eight kilometers from Barcelona's historic center.
As its name suggests, the work was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, like the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Paris!
Today, I'd like to take you on a tour of this place.
Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor: article summary
The brief history of Sacré-Coeur expiatory church
At the end of the XIXᵉ century, the city of Barcelona hosted the 1888 Universal Exhibition. At that time, the idea of building a Catholic church on top of Mt. Tibidabo was born. However, the project was finally delayed until 1902, the year in which the first stone of the Sacré-Coeur expiatory church.
The first structure to be built was the crypt, completed in 1911. The main church took more than three decades to take shape: from 1915 to 1951. After being consecrated the following year, the expiatory church of the Sacred Heart was finally completed. elevated to the rank of minor basilica by Pope John XXIII in 1961.
How to get to the Expiatori del Sagrat Cor temple?
To get to the expiatory church of the Sacred Heart from Barcelona's historic center, you must first go to one of the city's three main train stations. Here, take the S1 or S2 line towards Terrassa Nacions Unides or Sabadell Parc Nord.
The stop you need to get off at is called Peu del Funicular, which has a direct connection to the funicular at Vallvidrera Inferior station. This way, you can climb the Tibidabo mountain in just a few minutes! Once you've arrived at Vallvidrera Superior, take the the bus number 111 for the last three kilometers of the journey.
Opening hours and ticket prices
The Expiatori del Sagrat Cor church is open every day, but with different opening times depending on the time of year:
- 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. November to February
- 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from March to May, and in October
- 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. June to September
Although admission to the crypt and basilica of the Sacré-Coeur expiatory church is free, it costs €4 to go up and down in an elevator, which gives access to the panoramic terrace and central tower.
I'd advise you to bring some change with you. That's right, the place doesn't take credit cards.
What to see at Expiatori del Sagrat Cor?
There's a lot to see at the Expiatori del Sagrat Cor church. First of all, I recommend a visit to the monument's magnificent crypt.
Visit the crypt
The Crypt of the Iglesia Expiatori del Sagrat Cor is probably Barcelona's third best-known crypt, after the Crypt of the Basilica of Santa Maria. Sagrada Familia and the Crypt of the Colònia Güell both designed by Antoni Gaudí.
From the outside, the church crypt resembles an austere Romanesque stone fortress, topped with battlements and turrets. The facade is an ode to Catalan modernism, with a magnificent mosaic and a façade richly decorated with biblical figures.
Inside, the neo-Byzantine style stands out, combined with Gothic and classical elements. Comprising five naves with semicircular apses, the crypt is almost entirely clad in alabaster.
Getting to the basilica
To climb up to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart Expiatory Church. Take one of the two staircases around the Crypt. Once at the top, you'll find one of the many terraces and panoramic balconies of Mount Tibidabo.
The interior of the Basilica is much more modest than that of the Crypt, but it's magnificent all the same. Of all the sculptural ensemble that adorns the space, the piece that stands out most is Joan Puigdollers' Crucifix on the high altar. What's more, it's impossible to miss the dozens of stained glass windows and rosettes that fill the temple with light and color!
Spend some time on the terrace
When you reach the second floor of the terrace of the expiatory church of the Sacred Heart, you'll encounter a series of stone statues scattered around the four domes. These are the twelve apostles, and the sculptures were also created by Josep Miret.
This panoramic terrace is located at an altitude of 540 metres. From here, you have an infinite view of the Mediterranean Sea, weather permitting! You can also enjoy admire the other buildings and structures on Tibidabo.
The Basilica Expiatori del Sagrat Cor is a must-see when visiting Barcelona. During your stay, you'll be able to enjoy the best views of the city. Enough to make your friends and family jealous!
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