National Expiatory Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
National Expiatory Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Minor basilica at Tibidabo mountain, Barcelona, Spain.
The National Expiatory Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a double-level religious building made from the sandy-toned Montjuïc stone at the summit of Tibidabo in Barcelona. The lower level houses a vaulted Neo-Byzantine crypt while the main church rises above it with Gothic Revival pointed arches and colored glass windows reaching skyward.
Enric Sagnier began construction in 1902 with the intention of creating an expiatory site visible to the entire city. His son Josep Maria carried forward the work until the church was consecrated in 1961, six decades after the first stone was laid.
The church carries its long name as a mark of atonement and devotion to the Sacred Heart, a concept deeply rooted in Catholic tradition. Pilgrims come here to pray in both levels, with the crypt offering a darker, more intimate space for quiet reflection while the upper church fills with natural light.
The Vallvidrera funicular brings visitors up from the lower neighborhood, where bus 111 continues to the summit. The approach to the church involves a stairway that offers plenty of shade on sunny days, and the front terrace allows a first look at the surrounding landscape.
The bronze statue above the facade shows Jesus with outstretched arms and can be seen from almost any point in the city. This gesture echoes the mountain name, which comes from Latin and alludes to a temptation of Christ in which he was shown all the kingdoms of the world.
Location: Vallvidrera, el Tibidabo i les Planes
Architects: Enric Sagnier, Josep Maria Sagnier
Creator: Frederic Marès i Deulovol, Josep Miret
Architectural style: Gothic Revival, Byzantine Revival architecture
Elevation above the sea: 520 m
Length: 70 m
Width: 60 m
Made from material: Montjuïc stone
Address: Ctra. Vallvidrera al Tibidabo, 111-117 i Pl. Tibidabo
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-21:00
Phone: +34934175686
Website: https://tibidabo.salesianos.edu
GPS coordinates: 41.42207,2.11886
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26
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Tibidabo
33 m
Tibidabo
105 m
Torre de Collserola
667 m
Funicular del Tibidabo
685 m
Casino de l'Arrabassada
692 m
Fabra Observatory
608 m
Muntanya Russa
116 m
Torre de les Aigües de Dos Rius
88 m
Viver de Can Borni
418 m
Casa Cruïlles
227 m
Tibidabo’s Automata Museum
102 m
Can Mandó
503 m
Ca n'Estisora
653 m
Pavelló de Ràdio Barcelona
240 m
Masia Catalana
180 m
Cal Totxo
271 m
Can Xoliu
365 m
Casa de la Budellera
761 m
Can Tano
388 m
Font de la Budellera
611 m
Ideal Pavillon
829 m
Al Doctor Andreu
349 m
Edificis originals de les atraccions del Tibidabo
105 m
Can Basseda
892 m
Escultura del Sagrat Cor del Tibidabo
38 m
Escut de Barcelona a la Font de la Budellera
608 m
Al II aniversari de la República
235 m
Creu de terme de Collserola
710 mReviews
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