The Sagrada Familia is NOT a Cathedral
Despite its size, the Sagrada Familia is often mistakenly called a cathedral. This could be because of its grand design and prominence. However, it is not a cathedral, as it lacks the bishop’s seat (cathedra) that defines a cathedral.
While many visitors flock to Gaudí’s masterpiece, the impressive Barcelona Cathedral, located nearby, is often overlooked. In fact, the Sagrada Familia wasn’t even consecrated until 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI.
The famous Antonio Gaudi was not the original architect.
The famous architect Antoni Gaudí was not the original architect of La Sagrada Familia. That honor belongs to Francisco Paula del Villar, a prestigious architect chosen in 1877. Del Villar, who was the president of the Association of Architects and the official Diocesan Architect, started the project in 1882. He completed only the crypt before a quarrel with another architect led him to abandon the project in 1883.
CAPTION: Church of San Felipe Neri
God’s Architect
Religion has played a complex role in art and architecture. Many geniuses, like Michelangelo, claimed their vision came from divine inspiration. Antoni Gaudí was no different. His faith and admiration for nature drove him to design the Sagrada Familia as an expression of devotion to God. Gaudí famously said, “My client is in no hurry,” when delays or changes to the design were questioned.
Every aspect of the church, from the Sagrada Towers to the 18 spires, is steeped in religious symbolism, representing the Apostles, Evangelists, and Mary and Jesus. Gaudí made sure the church's tallest spire would never surpass nature’s tallest peak, Montjuïc, making it five meters shorter.
At the end of his life, Gaudí lived at the construction site immersed in his work. He was tragically killed by a tram in 1926 while visiting his favorite church, San Felipe Neri. Although there have been several requests to beatify Gaudí, the Catholic Church has not yet recognized his work as a miracle. Hopefully, when it is completed, they will reconsider.
All of Antoni Gaudi’s Projects were Practice for the Sagrada Familia
Gaudí, the architect of the Sagrada Familia, worked on many projects before focusing on the famous church. In the same year he started the Sagrada Familia, he also began Casa Batlló. Gaudí wasn't just about big designs—he worked on every little detail, from chimneys to windows, gates, and stained glass.
He perfected these details over time and used them in the Sagrada Familia. For example, the bone-like balconies from Casa Batlló and the colorful mosaics from Park Güell can be seen in the church. His work on the Church of Colònia Güell also played a role in shaping his vision. Each of Gaudí’s earlier projects helped him practice and improve, getting him closer to creating his ultimate masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia.
The Sagrada Familia will be the tallest church in the world
When finished, it will hold the title of the tallest church in the world. The current record-holder, Ulm Münster in Germany, stands at 161.5 meters (530 feet). However, once the final spire is complete, La Sagrada Familia will soar to 172.5 meters (566 feet)—11 meters taller than Ulm Münster. This spire, dedicated to Jesus Christ, will make La Sagrada Familia not only a world-famous landmark but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Sagrada Familia was Paid for by the Public
The construction of La Sagrada Familia has mainly been funded by public donations. It started with some private donations, but over time, people from all over the world contributed. As the church became more famous, donations grew, helping the project move forward.
Today, Sagrada Familia tickets and the public's interest keep the project running. The church is now Spain's most-visited monument, attracting millions of visitors every year
The Latest Technology will Complete the Sagrada Familia
While Gaudí’s original designs were groundbreaking, realizing his vision in the 21st century has required modern technology. His use of organic, curving shapes and intricate structures—like flying buttresses—was far ahead of its time. After his death, later architects and engineers struggled to bring his ideas to life.
Thanks to advanced construction techniques like aeronautical engineering design software, these complex designs are finally achievable. With tools like 3D modeling software, the Sagrada Familia is now on track to be completed.
Pieces of the Sagrada Familia are from all over Europe
The construction of La Sagrada Familia has been going on for more than 140 years, and getting the right materials has been tricky. At first, the builders used stone from the Montjuïc quarries in Barcelona. The stone was easy to get and perfect for the design. But over time, the supply ran low.
To keep building, they started sourcing materials from all over Europe. Stone from places like Galicia and Cantabria in Spain, as well as from England and Scotland, has been used. In fact, 1,000 square meters of stone was even recycled from the old Olympic stadium in Barcelona.
Even with these challenges, the Sagrada Familia continues to take shape. The use of materials from different regions has helped keep the project going, slowly bringing Gaudí’s grand vision to life. The church, although not finished yet, is becoming the incredible masterpiece Gaudí imagined all those years ago.
