The Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished
masterpiece, is one of Barcelona's most popular tourist attractions.
Construction on this church will continue for at least another decade,
but it has already become Barcelona's most important landmark.
A New Church
Sagrada Família
The idea for the construction of a new church was
launched by a devout organisation whose goal was to bring an end to the
de-christianisation of the Barcelonese, which had started with the
industrialization and was caused by the increasing level of education of
the Catalan population. The organisation purchased a plot of land in
the new Eixample
district in 1877. The architect Francisco de Paula del Villar designed a
neo-Gothic church and led the construction which started in 1882.
Antoni Gaudí's Design
One year later, the modernist architect Antoni
Gaudí took over as lead architect at the age of 31. From that moment on,
Gaudí devoted most of his life to the construction of the church.
Instead of sticking to the original plans, Gaudí changed the design drastically. The neo-Gothic style made way for Gaudí's trademark modernist style, which was based on forms found in nature. When he died in 1926 only
Instead of sticking to the original plans, Gaudí changed the design drastically. The neo-Gothic style made way for Gaudí's trademark modernist style, which was based on forms found in nature. When he died in 1926 only
Two of the towers
Detail of the
Nativity Facade
Nativity Facade
Because Gaudí was constantly improvising and changing the design while construction was going on, he left few designs and models. And most of these were destroyed in 1936 during the Civil War.
Eighteen Towers
Still, architects now have a clear idea of what Gaudí had in mind. The
last version of his design called for a church 95m/312ft long and
60m/197ft wide. The church will be able to accommodate some 13 000
people. When finished, the Sagrada Família will have a total of eighteen
towers.
Four towers on each of the three facades represent the twelve apostles. The towers reach a height of 90 to 120m (394ft). Another four towers represent the four evangelists. They will surround the largest, 170m/558ft tall tower, dedicated to Jesus Christ. The last tower, dedicated to Virgin Mary, will be built over the apse.
Four towers on each of the three facades represent the twelve apostles. The towers reach a height of 90 to 120m (394ft). Another four towers represent the four evangelists. They will surround the largest, 170m/558ft tall tower, dedicated to Jesus Christ. The last tower, dedicated to Virgin Mary, will be built over the apse.
Construction
After Gaudí's death in 1926 construction slowed dramatically due to a
lack of funds and the outbreak of the Civil War. Construction pace
started to pick up again in the mid 1950s and now two facades and eight
towers have been completed. The main nave was roofed in 2000. At that
time construction was expected to last for another hundred years, but
modern technology has enabled architects to speed up construction so
that the Sagrada Família is now slated for completion in 2026, the
centenary of Gaudí's death.
Nave of the Sagrada Familia
Facades
The first facade, facing east, is known as the Nativity Facade. It was
finished by Gaudí himself and is ornamented in a Baroque fashion with
motifs of animals and plants.
Opposite the Nativity Facade is the Passion Facade. Construction started in 1954, but only in 1987 sculptures depicting the crucified Jesus Christ were added. As soon as they were installed, the abstract figures caused a storm of criticism, as the style was very different from Gaudí's.
The third and main facade is the Glory Facade. Construction of this facade - the most monumental of the three - started in 2002 and is still ongoing. This facade, on the south side of the church, will picture life and death.
Opposite the Nativity Facade is the Passion Facade. Construction started in 1954, but only in 1987 sculptures depicting the crucified Jesus Christ were added. As soon as they were installed, the abstract figures caused a storm of criticism, as the style was very different from Gaudí's.
The third and main facade is the Glory Facade. Construction of this facade - the most monumental of the three - started in 2002 and is still ongoing. This facade, on the south side of the church, will picture life and death.
Visiting Sagrada Família
Sagrada Familia at night
Even though the Sagrada Família is far from finished, the remarkable
church is well worth a visit. You can visit the crypt were Gaudí is
buried as well as the transept and central nave with its giant,
tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. A museum narrates the
history of the church and tells the story of its great architect.
You can also visit the towers. An elevator and a long walk will lead you to the top of a tower from where you have a magnificent view over Barcelona. The climb is not recommended for those with fear of heights or for people with claustrophobia!
You can also visit the towers. An elevator and a long walk will lead you to the top of a tower from where you have a magnificent view over Barcelona. The climb is not recommended for those with fear of heights or for people with claustrophobia!
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