Barcelona has many cultural and historical treasures of eternal value for the whole of humanity. There is an amazing monumental architectural complex, the face of which is the temple of the Holy Family of the brilliant master. The city can be proud of other objects of no less grandiose beauty and scope. Today we will talk about one of them - Temple of the Sacred Heart in Barcelona .
Heading along the coast, you can see that the temple crowns the highest point in Barcelona - the mountain, connecting it with the sky. What exciting stories and unusual signs of the times does this heavenly temple keep within its walls? It is worth going on an entertaining journey through the centuries right now!
Any building has its own special curious history, which cannot be ignored. Several centuries ago, the land on top of Mount Tibidabo scared people away with its remoteness and the difficulty of climbing it. But after a certain time, the Catholic Committee decided to use this territory for the construction of a grandiose Catholic church, the location of which would emphasize its divine meaning.
In 1886, the purchased land was transferred to the famous philanthropist San Juan Bosco, and in the same year a small chapel was erected on the top of the mountain, which was destined to become an ancestor. The philanthropist wished to continue the tradition popular at that time of building churches of the Sacred Heart of Jesus around the world, the famous representatives of which are churches in Paris (Sacré-Coeur Basilica) and Rome.
The construction began in 1902 under the direction of the architect Enrique Sagnier, which was completed by his son in 1961. Due to the change of the architect, the original design of the idea was slightly changed. The construction of the Temple of the Sacred Heart in Barcelona, which lasted more than fifty years, should not be shocking, since everyone knows that the Sagrada Familia continues to be built today.
After a short excursion into history, it is time to return to the present and climb to the top of Mount Tibidabo. Do this with three options.
- 1st: by direct bus T2A from Plaza Catalunya (the stop is located on the corner of Plaza Catalunya and the Rambla, opposite the Desigual store). The bus runs from 10.15 with a break of twenty minutes daily, when the amusement park is open, also located on Mount Tibidabo. Ticket price: €2.95 one way.
- 2nd: FGC train line S1 or S2 to Peu del Funicular station + Valvidrera funicular to Vallvidrera Superior stop + bus 111 (runs every half an hour).
- 3rd: FGC train line L7 to Av. Tibidabo + tourist tram Tramvia Blau to the stop of the funicular + funicular Tibidabo. Ticket prices: train - €2.15 one way; tram - € 5.5 in one direction; Tibidabo funicular - € 4.4 in one direction.
You won’t be able to enter the Temple of the Sacred Heart in Barcelona for a minute, because its building from the outside enchants with its shape and an endless number of entertaining elements. The grandiose temple includes 3 fundamental parts. The lower part is a crypt, so to speak, or a crypt, built of brown stone from the Montjuic mountain and combining several styles: Romanesque, Neo-Gothic, Modernist. Above the crypt is the building of the Temple of the Sacred Heart in Barcelona made of gray-white stone. It is covered by a dome, which is crowned with a bronze statue of Christ with arms open to the world, created by the Catalan sculptor Josep Miret.
Sculptures of the Virgin Merced and Saints George and Santiago look from the main facade of the crypt, and the Archangel Michael and San Juan Bosco look from the central facade of the temple. The small chapel from which the construction of the Temple of the Sacred Heart in Barcelona began has survived and stands next to its majestic counterpart. Two circular staircases lead guests to the upper terrace, where the temple itself is located. It is still possible to get to the temple by lift (price for the lift is €2).
First, you should enter the crypt and from there go up to the temple. Any element of this majestic complex contains a special meaning that needs to be deciphered: the bas-reliefs of the crypt tell the story of the Way of the Cross, the frescoes tell the story of the earthly journey of Christ, and the stained-glass windows depict images of Spanish saints and biblical scenes.
The crypt and the Temple of the Sacred Heart in Barcelona are decorated with huge columns, arches, sculptures and colorful mosaics. Pieces of bright glass form huge pictures, forming into delightful stained-glass windows. Sculptor Eusebi Arnau succinctly combined the basic forms of the Romanesque style with elements of the Baroque style and added natural motifs. Sunlight, passing inside through the drawings at different angles, creates an infinitely bright and cozy atmosphere inside.
On the upper terrace, sculptures of 12 apostles will meet, silently watching Barcelona from a high mountain peak. There is also a staircase that leads to an observation platform at the foot of the sculpture of Christ. The views of the city from this point will make you freeze in admiration.
If you have been to Barcelona and have not climbed to a height of 512 meters above sea level, you have not seen. If you climbed to this height and did not visit the Temple of the Sacred Heart, you came to the Catalan capital in vain. You can see the amazing Catholic Temple from any part of the city. And from the height of the Temple you will see any point of Barcelona, the Mediterranean Sea, the most beautiful landscapes of the surroundings. Here you will feel like you are in heaven. Still, a higher point than this one cannot be found in Barcelona ... Today my story is about the Expiatory Temple of the Heart of Christ.
Any building has a history, especially such an outstanding and famous one as the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Barcelona.
Once upon a time, more than one century ago, the top of the mountain, if not frightened, then did not at all attract local residents with its emptiness, remoteness and inconvenience of climbing. 512 meters above sea level is a serious height. What was guided by the Catholic Committee, choosing this particular place for the construction of the famous Temple, today it is impossible to say for sure. Apparently the choice was made due to the fact that the location itself is as high as possible to God. In addition, the translation of the word "Tibidabo" means - "I give you." Such a phrase is mentioned in the Gospel when Satan wants to tempt Christ. And according to legend, this phrase sounded right here, on Tibidabo. This legend also became the basis for the erection of a huge statue of Jesus 7 meters high.
The first small chapel appeared here in 1886. This was the progenitor of the greatest Temple.
It is known that at first they even wanted to build a hotel or a casino here. But the Catholics bought a plot of land and gave it to a patron.
The philanthropist, to whom this land was given, decided to build the Temple of the Redemption here, continuing the tradition of building Temples of the Heart of Jesus around the world. So, in 1902, construction began. It is noteworthy that the architect-father named Sanier began to build, and the architect-son Sanier completed the project already in 1961.
What is 50 years for the Temple? A trifle. As we know, the Sagrada Familia is still being built and, as they say, there is no end in sight.
Temple Architecture
If you "sort out" the architecture of the Temple, then you need to talk about its two parts - the lower and the upper. At the bottom is a crypt. The lower part looks like a fortress wall - stones from Montjuic were used for its construction. And the upper sector is directly the Temple of the Sacred Heart in Barcelona. Two sides of the structure have stairs, through which they get from the lower part to the upper one.
The central part is formed by a dome standing on 8 columns. Style decisions? In Spain, apparently, it is very rare to talk about the purity of styles, especially when the building was built not a single decade or century. So here - the styles are mixed and intertwined. The basis is the Romanesque style. Gothic is responsible for the vertical elements. The crypt was made in the neo-Byzantine style. And the decor is modern.
The facade of the Temple is decorated with sculptures of the Virgin of Mercedes, St. Santiago and St. George. They are the patrons of Barcelona, Spain and Catalonia, respectively.
The decor material of the crypt is alabaster, mosaics and stained-glass windows. There are biblical motifs and scenes from the lives of the Spanish Saints.
The shape of the whole building is square. The temple is, as it were, the main tower, surrounded by 4 towers with a smaller height.
Take a closer look - the stained-glass windows of the towers hide the Latin phrase Tibidabo - "Tibi Dabo".
On the dome of the central tower is the statue of Jesus. He extended his arms to all people, to the whole world.
You will not be able to casually look at the architecture or the interior of the Temple. Looking at its appearance, you are already frozen, considering the little things, details, all this beauty ... And not only the beauty of the building itself. Right there, on the upper terrace, there is a staircase along which you can go to the observation deck at the very foot of the statue of Christ. And from there you can see the beauty of all of Barcelona, the surroundings, the Mediterranean. This is the highest observation deck in the Catalan capital. An indescribable sight, by the way, the famous Tibidabo Amusement Park is nearby, where both locals and visitors like to relax.
You can go to the observation deck not by stairs, but by elevator. The fare is paid - 2-3 euros (find out exactly on the spot).
How to get there
There are at least two ways to travel.
- Take the train to Avinguda del Tibidabo station. Go. Ride an old tram to a miniature square called Dr. Andreu. Further - at your service funicular to the very last stop.
- A special Tibibus bus will take you directly to Tibidabo in 20 minutes. Its end points of the route: Plaça Catalunya - Tibidabo.
Opening hours
The opening hours of the Temple for visitors depend on the season. Stably the first tourists come here at 11 o'clock in the morning. And the closing time is different: November-February is 18.00, March-May and October is 19.00, June-September is 20.00.
The crypt is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm.
Mount Tibidabo is a mountain in Barcelona, which is the highest point in the city - 512 meters above sea level.
The top of Mount Tibidabo is majestically decorated with the Temple of the Sacred Heart, the full name of the Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor / Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus), which has already become one of the hallmarks of Barcelona. And at the foot of the temple, on the top of the mountain and partly on the slope, there is an amusement and amusement park of the same name (Parque de Atracciones Tibidabo).
Even if you are not a fan of religious shrines and amusement parks, climbing Mount Tibidabo in Barcelona is still worth it.
Firstly, observation decks are equipped near the temple and in the park, which offer stunning views of the whole of Barcelona and the surrounding area, as well as the Mediterranean (Balearic) Sea.
Observation deck near the temple
Observation deck in the amusement park
Secondly, the Temple of the Sacred Heart consists of an ensemble of two separate churches, where one is located on the second, combines several architectural styles and visually is a very memorable and interesting object.
Tibidabo amusement park in Barcelona
Tibidabo Amusement Park has an area of 70,000 m2 and is the first amusement park in Spain and one of the oldest in the world. The park was built in 1899 and opened in 1905.
The park is fully operational during the summer. The opening date of the park changes every year, but, approximately, the park opens its doors to visitors from the beginning of May.
However, even in the off-season, there are separate attractions in the park, tickets for which can be purchased on the spot, at the park's ticket office located at the entrance.
You can find out the exact dates and opening hours of Tibidabo Park, as well as plan your visit and buy a ticket for summer time on the official website of the park.
Temple of the Sacred Heart on Mount Tibidabo in Barcelona
For most tourists, when visiting Mount Tibidabo, it is the Temple of the Sacred Heart that is of particular interest.
The Expiatory Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the central building on Mount Tibidabo, a monumental ensemble crowning the top of Mount Tibidabo and consisting of a Roman Catholic church and a small basilica, where one church is built on another. The construction of the complex was carried out in several stages, from 1886 to 1961.
On the Tibidabo square of the same name (Placa Tibidabo), near the foot of the temple, there are a cafe and the Tibidabo funicular.
A wide staircase leads to the lower temple - the crypt, and the upper temple is crowned with a large bronze statue of Christ, architect Enrique Sagnier.
The lower temple combines neo-gothic and classical elements with a number of modernist decorations. It was opened on June 18, 1911.
The upper temple was built between 1915 and 1951. Officially, the construction of the temple was completed in 1961, when the last two towers were erected. The building is built in bluish-gray stone and differs sharply from the lower crypt.
You can climb the stairs to the observation deck located on the roof of the lower temple, from this point you can see views of Barcelona, the surrounding area and the Tibidabo amusement park.
The interior of the lower temple is made in a strict but rather luxurious style. The central part of the inner hall is decorated with a mosaic with three biblical scenes.
On the right side of the main hall is the Chapel of the Infinite Adoration of the Holy Eucharist, in the center of which you can see the painting of the last Supper, the work of Michel Farre (1947-1949).
If you go from the central hall to the left door, then we get into a small hall, from which you can go to the elevator. You can take the elevator to the terrace of the temple, located at an altitude of 538.87 meters, and then walk up the stairs to the balcony of the temple, located at the base of the upper dome (pedestal for the statue of Christ) at an altitude of 564.43 meters above sea level.
The rise is paid, near the elevator there is a machine where you need to buy tickets. The ticket price is 3.50 Euro. The machine accepts paper notes of 5 and 10 Euros, as well as coins of 0.50 Eurocents, 1 and 2 Euros.
Next, we pass into the elevator, in which the temple employee checks the tickets. We take the elevator to the open circular terrace. The views from this terrace of Barcelona, the Mediterranean coast and the surrounding area are simply mesmerizing.
A view of another attraction of Mount Tibidabo, although very doubtful for such a big word as “Attraction”, the Collserola TV Tower (Torre de Collserola). On the 10th floor of the TV Tower there is a public viewpoint (560 meters above sea level) where you can take the lift and also enjoy the views of Barcelona. Opening hours of the observation point of the TV Tower and ticket prices can be found on the official website.
Photo of the terrace of the Church of the Sacred Heart
Then we go along the spiral staircase to the highest observation platform of the Tibidabo temple.
This area is an open balcony with a 360-degree view. The balcony offers the best panoramic views of Barcelona and the surrounding area in the city.
See for yourself →
Basilica of Tibidabo, which is officially called Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus”, is located in the Sierra de Collserola mountain range and is visible from all over Barcelona. This Catholic church and small basilica stands on the highest peak of the massif - Mount Tibidabo at an altitude of 518 meters above sea level.
The idea of building a Catholic church on top of a mountain that dominates Barcelona appeared at the end of the 19th century, when in 1876 the organization "Catholic Knights" (cat. Junta de Cavallers Catòlics) decided to purchase two plots of land on Tibidabo. Exactly ten years later, in 1886, he visited Barcelona for a month. John Bosco- Catholic missionary, canonized after death. Since Bosco was the initiator of the construction of the Sacred Heart in Rome, it was decided to give the new church in Barcelona the same name.
First, a tiny chapel, the foundation stone of which was laid on May 30, 1886. This eight-meter Gothic chapel, adjacent to the main temple, is still standing. The construction of the Temple of the Sacred Heart itself was delayed, and in 1900 the entire plot of land on Tibidabo, except for the 6,000 square meters reserved for the temple, was sold. October 29, 1901 was built funicular to the top of the Sierra de Collserola, and 28 1902, the first stone was finally laid in the foundation of the crypt of the temple (the foundation - the chapel).
The main architect of the Tibidao Basilica was a Barcelonan Enrique Sagnier(Enrique Sagnier). He worked on the project until 1931, passing it on before his death to his son, also an architect, Josep Maria. For work on this church in 1923, Bishop Guillamet (Guillamet), with the permission of Pope Pius XI, awarded Sagnier the title of Marquis.
Useful information about the Temple of the Sacred Heart in Barcelona
Location:
Top of Mount Tibidabo; next to the amusement park
How to get there:
By bus T2A from Plaza Catalunya
On the Tibidabo funicular
Other options
Address:
Spain, Catalonia, Barcelona, peak of Mount Tibidabo, Plaça Tibidabo street
Plaça Tibidabo, Cumbre del Tibidabo, Barcelona, Spain
Name in Spanish:
Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón de Jesus
Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor
Title in English:
Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Expiatory Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Working hours:
Weekend services are held at 8:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 17:00, 19:00
On weekdays, services are held at 8:00, 10:00, 17:00, 19:00
Telephone:
(+34 93) 417 56 86 (where 34 is the Spanish dialing code and 93 is the Barcelona code)
Fax machine:
(+34 93) 434 01 90
Website:
http://www.templotibidabo.info/ (in Spanish or English)
Email:
Coordinates:
41.422176, 2.118889 (paste these coordinates into the Google maps search bar and you will see the real position of the Sacred Heart Church)
GPS: 41°25′19.83″N 2°7′8″E
The Temple of the Sacred Heart in Barcelona is a sacred place for many pilgrims, like the entire Tibidabo mountain. Important events that took place on it are described in the Holy Scriptures. Also, the Temple is a wonderful landmark of Catalonia, as it opens up a picturesque panorama and impresses with its architecture.
History of the construction of the Temple
Due to its convenient location, the slopes of Mount Tibidabo attracted many. It was planned to build various entertainment establishments on the top, but the Catholic priests bought the land and decided to build a temple on the sacred mountain.
The first chapel on the summit was built in 1886. It combined the Gothic and Moorish architectural influences that were popular at the time. At the end of 1902, larger-scale construction began. Under the influence of Pope Pius IX, churches of the Heart of Jesus Christ arose throughout Europe, and this temple was no exception.
The first project of the temple was created by Enric Sagnier. He also supervised the construction in the early years. The construction was long, it lasted almost 59 years and was completed at the end of October 1961. In recent years, the architect of the temple was the son of Enric - Josep Sagnier. On October 29, 1961, the current Pope consecrated the temple and named it the Minor Papal Basilica.
During the period of construction in Barcelona there were many joyful and tragic events. Tragic Week (1909) is mentioned especially often. At that time, the Catalan rebels were opposed to the authority of the church and burned many temples on their land. Often the clergy themselves died in the fire. In memory of those events, since 1910, the temple began to be called expiatory, as the Catalans atoned for their sins before God.
Outdoor decoration
With its appearance, the Temple of the Sacred Heart symbolizes the process of purification of the soul. At the entrance there is a low crypt made of dark stone with low arched vaults. It symbolizes the sins that a person acquires during earthly life. The lighter, loftier outlines of the basilica symbolize the process of purification and the desire of the soul for God. The statue of Christ, which towers over the entire city, resembles the ascension of the soul to paradise, into the arms of the Almighty.
The entrance to the crypt is located to the left of the central facade. Nearby is a souvenir shop and a shop with religious goods. The building of the crypt is surrounded by wide rounded staircases. On them you can climb to the Basilica. In the middle of the right staircase is the entrance to a small chapel, which has been preserved since 1886. It is the first religious building on the top of Tibidabo. From the top steps one of the first beautiful views of Barcelona opens up.
The central entrance is also open to visitors, to which a wide staircase leads. On the sides of it are 4 columns, symbolizing the authors of the four gospels:
- Luca - a statue of a calf;
- Mark - a statue of a lion;
- John - a statue of an eagle;
- Matthew - a statue of an angel.
On both sides of the entrance you can see the figures of the patron saints of Catalonia, sung in numerous legends. The statue of the victorious dragon Saint George is set on the left, and on the right is the statue of Saint James, who liberated Catalonia from the Moors. The patron saint of Barcelona - the Mother of God - is located immediately above the main entrance. Above the statues is a semicircular arch covered with mosaics. The painting depicts Spanish kings, patrons and other important people as saints.
There are three entrances in the central façade of the basilica. Each of them crowns a stained-glass window with important events for Christians. For example, the moment of the devil's temptation of Jesus Christ is depicted on the right. The famous phrase "tibi dabo" is engraved at the bottom, which gave the mountain its name.
The crypt also has multiple entrances. The closest to the souvenir shop is located on the site with an elevator. On the elevator, tourists can climb to the observation deck above the church and once again see Barcelona from a bird's eye view. The top point of the mountain is located at an altitude of 512 m above sea level, and the observation deck above the Temple was built 27 m higher.
Around the perimeter of the round observation deck there are 12 statues symbolizing the apostles. A narrow spiral staircase starts from it, which leads tourists to the foot of the statue of Christ. In addition to panoramas of the city, the unusual angle of the Savior is striking. The well-known sculptor Josep Miret had a hand in the statue in its current form.
Decoration of temple buildings
A special role in the construction of temples is given to the crypt. This is a low structure, often deepened into the ground. It symbolizes the refuge of the first Christians, who had to escape from the Romans in the catacombs. In the arch above the entrance there are beautiful stained-glass windows, also dedicated to the history of Christianity. The walls of the crypt at the Temple of the Sacred Heart are decorated with beautiful mosaics illustrating scenes from the Gospel. Semicircular niches with arched vaults are dedicated to five altars. Each altar is built in honor of a particular saint or sacred event:
- Sacrament;
- The Virgin Mary;
- Anthony;
- Joseph;
- Virgin of Montserrat.
The inner perimeter of the crypt is decorated with alabaster stucco and frescoes that tell about the Way of the Cross.
In the right wall there is a door through which one can get from the crypt to a small chapel. It was dug in Mount Tibidabo in the late 40s of the last century. The chapel is dedicated to eternal worship. Its ceiling is decorated with frescoes, the walls are decorated with bright mosaics, and the floor is made of marble slabs. People enter the chapel not for excursions, but to pray.
The crypt also has multiple entrances. The closest to the souvenir shop is located on the site with an elevator. Tourists can take the elevator up to the observation deck at the top of the church and once again see Barcelona from a bird's eye view.
Interior decoration
From the inside, the basilica is a spacious room with light walls and high vaults. Above the main altar is a crucifix. Even higher you can see windows with beautiful stained glass inserts. There are two smaller altars in the basilica. The left one is dedicated to the Mother of God. Near it are 5 stained glass windows depicting the Holy Virgin in various forms, as she is represented in Spanish-speaking countries. At the right altar there are 4 more images of the Virgin Mary and a statue of the resurrected Jesus.
Above, not far from the place for the choir, statues and stained-glass windows of the founders of the temple, canonized as saints, open. If you look at the highest point of the dome, you can see 8 windows. The stained glass windows depict the earthly life of Jesus Christ. True, the windows are quite high, so it is rather difficult to see the details.
At the left exit from the basilica there is another stained glass window with the words "tibi dabo". Here they are spoken by Jesus himself, addressing Peter. He promises to build a temple and give the apostle the keys to the heavenly gates.
How to get there?
You can get to the foot of Mount Tibidabo on the L7 metro line. A tourist bus and Tibibas are also sent here from Plaza Catalunya. A funicular takes tourists to the top of the mountain. From the final station to the entrance to the temple can be reached on foot in 5 minutes.
Entrance to the temple is free. Anyone can go sightseeing and light a candle for a small donation. Near the candles there are leaflets with texts of prayers in different languages, including Russian. To use the elevator to the observation deck, you need to pay 2 euros to an employee who is constantly in the booth. The temple is open daily from 7:00 to 22:00, but the elevator closes half an hour earlier.
