A sneaky lock near Barcelona’s famous Sagrada Família.

Barcelona’s Sagrada Família is one of the world’s most celebrated architectural masterpieces. Just steps from Gaudí’s soaring towers, a clever 3D-printed geocache hides in plain sight, ready to surprise visitors.

This geocache mirrors Gaudí’s spirit of innovation. Its 3D-printed lock blends technology and artistry, a quiet tribute to the architect’s creativity and the iconic basilica nearby.

To find this cache, head to the bike racks near the Sagrada Família. Look for a fence just behind the racks, with the entrance to the metro elevator between you and the basilica. A hand-painted 3D-printed lock is attached to that fence, hiding in plain sight. Unscrew the bottom cap to reach the log, then secure it tightly before you leave, quickly and casually, so you don’t draw attention to yourself.

Published in May 2023, the cache already has 1,835 finds and 823 Favorite points. Geocachers love both the spot and the clever container, but many say the busy crowds make it tricky to grab without being seen. Like the Sagrada Família itself, it’s a gentle reminder to slow down and notice the small details.

Barcelona is full of treasures, and this one deserves a spot on your geocaching map. Wander the lively streets around the Sagrada Família, admire Gaudí’s breathtaking work, and then switch to detective mode to track down a lock that isn’t what it appears to be.

Whether you love clever engineering, admire great architecture, or simply enjoy the thrill of discovery, this 3D-printed gem combines art, ingenuity, and playful mystery—a fitting nod to Gaudí and to geocachers everywhere.

Behind the magic is Alfonso, part of a four-member family team called alfonsgf. They discovered geocaching in 2013 and now have 59 3D-printed caches hidden around Barcelona’s coolest landmarks, including the Arc de Triomf and, of course, the Sagrada Família. Alfonso, both a tech wizard and an artist, designs each piece from scratch, adding hidden compartments and painting every detail by hand. Their Mimetic series, which includes this lock, is tailored to each location. “Most of my mimetic urban caches start with the location, because they can only exist in the specific spot they’re made for,” he explains.

Have you ever found a geocache hidden right where everyone could see it, but nobody did?

Found with AwesomeMuggleHubby while chaperoning on a school trip to the Mediterranean. We visited Italy, Monaco, France, and Spain in 9 days! Fortunately, we visited La Sagrada Familia today and were just mesmerized! Gaudio is amazing!! Thanks for adding to our fun today with this cache. TFTC!! ” — Leelelee

Check out more of alfonsgf’s incredible 3D-printed geocaches hidden around Barcelona’s landmarks!

Header image by wtap.