History Of Sagrada Familia
The construction of La Sagrada Familia was commissioned by bookseller and philanthropist Josep Maria Bocabella. He was upset by the effects of revolution and industrialization on Barcelona, Spain and wanted to build a church to “awaken sleeping hearts from their tepidity.”
After securing land in the expanding area of town, Eixample, the project was given to Francisco de Paula del Villar, a diocesan architect. In 1882, he started building the church in the Neo-Gothic style. However, he abandoned the project a year later, after completing only part of the crypt.
The project was then handed over to Architect Antoni Gaudí, who completely redesigned the church in his own unique style, blending Gothic and art nouveau with natural elements. This new design was like no church anyone had ever seen.
Gaudí took over the commission in 1883, and by 1884 he signed his first orders as the lead architect. He would spend the rest of his life working on the building. When he died in 1926, only about 20% of the work was complete, and construction slowed down. The Spanish Civil War delayed the project further, but in a shocking turn, anarchists attacked the church.
They destroyed the handcrafted models by Antoni Gaudi, which were the only records of his design. Despite these setbacks, construction began again in the 1950s, and work has continued ever since. Over the years, architects and engineers have carefully pieced together the fragments of Gaudí's models and recreated his designs using the few remaining photographs and drawings.
Design of Sagrada Familia
The design of La Sagrada Familia is truly remarkable. The church is huge, and some people even criticized its size, fearing it would rival the Cathedral of Barcelona. The plan is shaped like a Latin cross, which is typical in Spain. It’s wider than it is long.
The design is very complex, with an ambulatory, seven apsidal chapels, and three unique portals. The portals are each different in form and decoration. Surrounding the church is an unusual cloister that passes through the narthex of each portal.
The design, like everything else about the church, is extraordinary. Architect Antoni Gaudí was inspired by nature. His challenge was to use engineering to create supporting columns and stone architecture that acted like twisting tree branches. These branches support the whole building, much like the branches of a tree hold up its leaves.
Gaudí believed that you could feel the presence of God in nature, as sunlight streams through trees in a forest. When you enter the church, you are surrounded by columns that twist like tree branches and different colors. Light pours through stained-glass windows from every direction, reflecting nature. The effect is breathtaking and awe-inspiring.
Spires
There are 18 spires of varying heights, each representing different figures. These include the Twelve Apostles, the Virgin Mary, the four Evangelists, and the tallest spire of all, representing Jesus Christ. Each spire is topped with a symbol. The apostles’ spires are crowned with wheat, grapes, and wine, representing the Eucharist. The Evangelists’ spires are topped with their animal symbols. In December 2021, a glass star was added to the Virgin Mary’s spire.
When the final spire, representing Jesus Christ, is complete, it will be topped with a giant cross. This spire will reach 172.5 meters (566 feet), making Sagrada Familia the tallest church in the world. It will almost be as high as Montjuïc, but not quite, as Gaudí believed that Man’s work should never rival God’s.
Facade
Three monumental facades were planned, each in a different style, depending on the subject. The nativity facade, which was the first to be completed during Gaudí's lifetime, is on the eastern side, where it receives the rising sun. This façade is beautifully decorative, with elements of nature and the tree of life, along with the birth of Christ. The passion facade to the west (built between 1956 and 1976) is quite the opposite.
It’s hard and bare, with skeletal features and tortured figures. The last façade, the Glory Façade, is still under construction. It began in 2002 and represents Jesus Christ. This will be the grandest façade, decorated with sculpted figures of the gifts given by Jesus, the seven deadly sins, and the seven virtues. It will serve as the main entrance to the nave, with seven doors representing the sacraments.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
As part of its incredible cultural and architectural significance, Sagrada Familia is recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s a treasure for both locals and visitors, and its ongoing construction makes it even more special. While you're exploring, don't miss the chance to visit Park Güell, another masterpiece by architect Antoni Gaudí. And of course, make sure to see the Sagrada Familia tower and learn more about this stunning and unique church that continues to shape Barcelona’s skyline.