Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Família, officially known as the Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family, is one of the most iconic and visited works in Barcelona, as well as one of the most ambitious architectural projects by Antoni Gaudí. Started in 1882 and still under construction, the basilica represents a unique fusion of Gothic and modernist styles, with a huge attention to symbolic and natural details. The history of the Sagrada Família begins with the project of architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, who in 1882 proposed a church in neo-Gothic style. However, due to technical and financial divergences, in 1883 Antoni Gaudí was commissioned to carry on the project. Gaudí radically transformed the initial design, creating an innovative and ambitious vision for a “church of the future”. His approach integrated elements of nature and religious symbolism, reflecting his deep Catholic faith and love for organic forms. Gaudí dedicated over 40 years of his life to the Sagrada Família, the last 15 of which working exclusively on this project. During this period, he developed many of the techniques and architectural forms that characterize the basilica. For example, the internal columns are designed to resemble tree trunks branching towards the ceiling, creating the impression of a petrified forest. Light plays a crucial role in Gaudí’s design, with colored stained glass flooding the interior with vibrant lights, symbolizing the passage of time and life. The basilica is composed of three main facades: the Nativity Facade, the Passion Facade, and the Glory Facade. The Nativity Facade, the only one completed by Gaudí, is adorned with intricate details celebrating the birth of Jesus and the beauty of life. The Passion Facade, completed after Gaudí’s death, features a more sober and dramatic style, with sculptures by Josep Maria Subirachs representing the suffering and death of Christ. The Glory Facade, still under construction, will be the main entrance and symbolize heavenly glory and the path to reach God. A notable aspect of the Sagrada Família is its perpetual state of construction. Mainly funded by private donations, the basilica has gone through numerous construction and renovation phases. During the Spanish Civil War, many of Gaudí’s original models and projects were destroyed, further complicating the completion of the work. Despite these difficulties, the project continued, and it is expected that construction may be completed around 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudí’s death. Gaudí’s working method was highly experimental. He used scale models to test new ideas and forms, an approach that allowed the work to continue even after his death, using his original techniques and ideas. The basilica was also a pioneer in the use of modern technologies, such as CAD (Computer-Aided Design), to ensure that the construction faithfully respects Gaudí’s vision. A significant anecdote concerns Gaudí’s death. The architect died in 1926, after being hit by a tram. His funeral was a highly attended public event, and Gaudí was buried in the crypt of the Sagrada Família, a fitting tribute to the man who dedicated his life to this magnificent work.