Barcelona, a city known for its art and architecture, is home to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world: La Sagrada Familia. This basilica, an unfinished masterpiece by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, has been under construction for over 130 years and continues to captivate visitors with its unique design and grandeur.
The History of La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia’s history dates back to 1882 when a bookseller named Josep Maria Bocabella initiated the project. The original plan was designed by Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano but he resigned just a year into construction due to disagreements. Following his departure, Antoni Gaudí took over as chief architect in 1883.
Gaudi dedicated much of his life to this project until his untimely death in 1926. At that time only less than quarter part of the basilica had been constructed including one façade (the Nativity Façade), one tower, the apse and part of the crypt. After Gaudí’s passing away work on La Sagrada Familia slowed down due to lack of funds and turmoil during Spanish Civil War.
The Architecture
What sets La Sagrada Familia apart from other religious structures is its unique blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau architectural styles. It’s adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from biblical stories such as Jesus’ birth on Nativity facade or His crucifixion on Passion facade while Glory facade represents Death, Final Judgment, Glory and Hell.
The interior structure is inspired by nature; columns resembling tree trunks branch out towards ceiling creating impression like being inside forest reflecting Gaudi’s belief that “The Great Book always open must be read”. The vibrant stained glass windows allow natural light to illuminate the space in a breathtaking array of colors.
The Towers
La Sagrada Familia will eventually have 18 towers, each with its own significance. The twelve lower ones represent the Apostles, four around them symbolize the Evangelists, one is dedicated to Virgin Mary and tallest of all for Jesus Christ.
Currently eight apostle towers are completed – four on Nativity Façade and four on Passion Façade. Visitors can ascend these towers via elevators for an additional fee and enjoy panoramic views over Barcelona city.
The Completion Date
Although Gaudí once said that his client (God) was not in a hurry, he had hoped that La Sagrada Familia would be completed within a century of its commencement. However due to interruptions during Spanish Civil War and complexity involved in construction it has taken longer than anticipated.
In recent years there has been significant progress towards completion thanks largely to advancements in technology like 3D printing used for creating models before actual construction takes place. Current estimates suggest basilica could be complete by 2026 marking centenary of Gaudi’s death but this remains subject to funding availability as work relies entirely on donations from public and revenue generated through ticket sales.
A Must-Visit Attraction
No visit to Barcelona would be complete without witnessing grandeur of La Sagrada Familia firsthand. It’s more than just another tourist attraction; it’s an architectural marvel that showcases human creativity at its best while serving as testament to unwavering faith across generations.
Whether you’re interested in architecture or history or simply looking for unique experience, make sure you set aside time during your trip for exploring this magnificent basilica inside out because words alone cannot do justice to its beauty and splendor.
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of La Sagrada Familia?
The Basilica of La Sagrada Familia has different operating hours throughout the year. From November to February, it is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In March and October, it operates from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. From April to September, you can visit between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM. It’s always a good idea to check their official website for any changes in schedule due to special events or holidays.
How can I get tickets for La Sagrada Familia?
Tickets for visiting La Sagrada Familia can be purchased online through their official website or at the ticket office located near the entrance of the basilica. Online booking is highly recommended as this popular tourist destination often sells out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. There are several types of tickets available including basic entry tickets, guided tour options, and combined tickets that include access to Gaudi’s House Museum.
Who designed La Sagrada Familia and why is it significant?
The renowned architect Antoni Gaudí designed La Sagrada Família – a masterpiece that combines Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms. The basilica stands as an iconic symbol of Barcelona’s rich cultural history since its construction began in 1882. Its significance lies not just in its architectural brilliance but also in its religious symbolism with intricate facades representing the life of Jesus Christ.
When will construction on La Sagrada Familia be complete?
The completion date for this monumental project has been notoriously difficult to predict due largely because Gaudí died before he could finalize his plans and because work was interrupted by various events, including the Spanish Civil War. However, current estimates suggest that construction could be completed by 2026 or 2030. Despite its unfinished status, La Sagrada Familia is UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts millions of visitors each year.
What should I not miss when visiting La Sagrada Familia?
Apart from admiring the stunning architecture from outside, make sure to explore inside where you’ll find the beautiful nave with a ceiling resembling a forest canopy. Don’t miss Gaudi’s signature style in the form of intricate carvings and colorful stained glass windows which fill the space with ethereal light. Also worth visiting are the Nativity and Passion facades depicting biblical scenes, as well as ascending one of towers for panoramic views over Barcelona.
