Sagrada Familia History
Commonly known as the Sagrada Familia, the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is a Roman-Catholic church situated in Barcelona, Spain. The Sagrada Familia history dates back to 1874 when the attraction was still under construction. It was during this time that the local organization started campaigning for the erection of the church, thereby paying tribute to the Holy Family. After the complete planning and creation of plans, the foundation of the church’s cornerstone was laid on 19th March 1882.
In 1882, the architect, Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano, was the supervisor of the construction of Sagrada Familia initially. But, the creative differences led to the replacement of Lozano with Antoni Gaudi. Although the designs of Lozano focused on the neo-Gothic style, Gaudi reworked the entire plan and concentrated it more on modernist creation. He had designed the architecture of Sagrada Familia in such a way that no one has ever seen a structure like it in the entire world.
Gaudi completed the sketches of the basilica by 1923 and the first tower of the church on the Nativity Facade was completed in 1925. Unfortunately, it was the only facade that Gaudi could see in his life as he passed away on 10th June 1926. After that, more than five generations of architects and builders put their hard work for over a century to complete the creation of Gaudi.
Several parts of Gaudi’s plan and ideas were ruined by the fire induced by the anarchists in 1936. The architects worked tirelessly on the plan to bring the idea of Gaudi’s work to life and the official consecration of the church was conducted by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. Therefore, the Sagrada Familia has a rich history that shows the dedication of humans to God, i.e., the dedication of the architect to Jesus Christ.
Sagrada Familia Facts
- The construction in the history of Sagrada Familia used to be the site of a school for the children of the construction workers.
- The dead body of the architect, Antoni Gaudi, is buried in the Sagrada Familia itself.
- This architectural masterpiece has been under construction for more than a century.
- Sagrada Familia is the tallest religious building in entire Europe as Gaudi believed that no other construction should be higher than the work of God.
- The designs of Sagrada Familia took inspiration from nature as you will find the sculptures of trees, plants, animals, and figures from all angles of the architecture.
- You will find a collection of faces from the death masks of deceased Barcelona citizens and builders sculpted within the stone of Sagrada Familia.
- The stairs at both sides of the altar include upward movements that signify the connection between the earth and heaven in the Sagrada Familia history.
- There are four towers in the outside facades of Sagrada Familia representing the twelve apostles.
Sagrada Familia Architecture
The Sagrada Familia has a unique architectural blend of Catalan Modernism, Art Nouveau, Catalan Noucentisme, and Spanish Late Gothic designs. Although the construction of the Sagrada Familia started during the time of Art Nouveau, the architect, Antoni Gaudi was responsible for bringing the Art Nouveau style as the surface decoration much before its usual application.
As far as the existence of the Sagrada Familia is concerned, it was not meant to be constructed as a cathedral. The history of Sagrada Familia states that the construction was initiated to make it a school for the children of construction workers. Considered to have a shorter width than other cathedrals in Europe, the attraction attributes a complicated melody of parts, like three portals, several steeples, double aisles, towers, and an ambulatory with seven apsidal chapels.
The interesting things that you can observe in the Sagrada Familia are the ornament and the structure. Another thing that you should not miss catching a glimpse of in the Sagrada Familia is its interiors. The interiors of Sagrada Familia are the enclosed passages that create a rectangle around the church and move through the narthex of the three portals. You will even not find the church bragging about the exact angles inside or outside the church.
The parts of Sagrada Familia open to the public resemble a majestic castle just like in the fairytale. You will also discover the bright stained glass windows covered by excessive columns and intricately carved ceilings.
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FAQs of Sagrada Familia
Why is the Sagrada Familia famous?
Sagrada Familia is renowned for being the most exemplary work of Antoni Gaudi’s unique style that combines elements of Catalan Modernism, Art Nouveau, and Spanish Late Gothic design. The theme of nature figures in the form of different organic shapes and forms also makes the attraction popular among tourists. Regarded as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sagrada Familia is known for its unique architecture and the architect’s ability to create something so artistic and innovative.
What is the story behind the Sagrada Familia?
The Sagrada Familia history dates back to its year of commencement in 1882. The architect, Antoni Gaudi started designing the architecture of the church but could not complete it because he died in 1926. The current situation of the design of the attraction shows that only 70 percent of the work is completed. Thus, the half-completed structure of the attraction is known for showcasing the architect’s unique style that combines elements of Art Nouveau, Spanish Late Gothic, and Catalan Modernism design.
Can I visit the Sagrada Família for free?
Yes, you can visit the Sagrada Familia for free, but only on special occasions and events. The attraction organizes open days with free entrance. For instance, if you visit the attraction during the La Merce festivities in September, you will be allowed to enter the Sagrada Familia for free.
How old is the Sagrada Familia?
The Sagrada Familia is about 144 years old. The construction of the attraction started in the year 1882, and it has been around 144 years that the structure has not been entirely completed. According to some reports, it has been said that the construction will be completed by 2026 on the 100th death anniversary of Antoni Gaudi.
How long is the queue for Sagrada Familia?
If we consider the average number of tourists at the Sagrada Familia, the waiting time in the queue at the ticket office effortlessly extends to an hour. You must also consider at least two hours in the queue during the peak season.
Can kids go up Sagrada Familia towers?
Yes, the kids can go up to the Sagrada Familia towers. However, they should be above six years of age. Children below six years of age are not allowed to climb up the Sagrada Familia towers as it is not considered to be safe for them.
What is inside Sagrada Familia?
Sagrada Familia has 18 different towers inside it, with each one of them having a special significance to the life of Christ. The tower in the middle is dedicated to Jesus Christ, while the other four towers surrounding it represent the Gospels. If you look at the tower above the apse, you will find the star that symbolizes Virgin Mary.
Is it worth visiting the Sagrada Familia towers?
Yes, the Sagrada Familia towers are worth visiting as it offers some remarkable views of both the Basilica and Barcelona. Not only the exteriors but the interiors are also worth giving an eye to. The expedition to the Sagrada Familia towers remains incomplete if you do not go up and witness the beauty of the surroundings.
Can we take pictures inside the Sagrada Familia?
Yes, you can click pictures inside the Sagrada Familia. You are required to have cameras to capture the beautiful stained glass work and intricate architecture of the interiors. You will be astonished to know that the basilica of Sagrada Familia is the most Instagrammable monument that is worth taking pictures of.