Soring above Barcelona, Spain’s skyline … consecrated 15 years ago on 7 November 2010 … world’s largest unfinished Catholic church … UNESCO World Heritage Site … Gothic Revival, Art Nouveau, Modernista Style …
History
Commenced on 19 March 1882 under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, who resigned in 1883; taken over by Antoni Gaudi as chief architect, transformed project into combination of Gothic, curvilinear Art Nouveau forms. Gaudi devoted remainder of life to project … is buried in church’s crypt – at time of his death, less than quarter of project was complete.
Sagrada Familia’s construction relied solely on private donations – interrupted by Spanish Civil War; fire in crypt set by anarchists in 1936, partially destroyed Gaudi’s original plans.
Construction resumed in 1950s – with computer-aided design and computer numerical control (CNC) expedited progress and construction.
Illumination was designed by Carles Buigas; Jordi Bonet I Armengol, director till 2012 introduced computers into design-construction process.
Anticipated to complete by 2026 – in celebration of Gaudi’s death centenary. However, sculptures, decorative details and controversial stairway leading to main entrance is expected to continue until 2034.
Described as “the most extraordinary personal interpretation of Gothic architecture since Middle Ages” … there is nothing comparable in entire history of art.
It is also world’s tallest church at 172m (564.3 feet) when completed.
Design
Sagrada Familia was planned to include double aisles, an ambulatory (covered passage), with chevet (semi-circular choirs) of 7 apsidal (semi-circular recess covered with semi-dome) chapels; multitude of steeples, 3 portals, differing in structures, ornaments; cloister (covered passage) forming quadrangle enclosing church, passing through narthex (entrance or vestibule, located at west end of nave, opposite church’s main altar) of each three portals.
Vision and Technology
With vision, technological advancements, dedication of teams of experts working in background, much has been completed to date.
Do you know there are no exact right angles seen inside or outside church and few straight lines in design ?
Tree-trunk columns, unique Gaudi design; support decorative ceilings … designed to resemble trees and branches … forest with canopy overhead …
Just amazing !
Open spaces … blends of architecture, sculpture, symbolism … airy, high vaulted ceilings … filled with colours when sun lights up large stained-glass windows …
Magnificent interior – have to see, to appreciate it …
Spires
Original Gaudi design calls for 18 spires; in ascending height order depicting – 12 Apostles, 4 Evangelists, the Virgin Mary and tallest, Jesus Christ.
13 spires were completed by 2023, corresponding to 4 apostles at Nativity Façade, 4 apostles at Passion Façade, 4 Evangelists, and the Virgin Mary.
The completion of Jesus Christ spire will make Sagrada Familia the tallest church building in the world.
Facades
Three grand facades :
Nativity Façade, east facing – constructed between 1893–1936, bears most direct Gaudi influence. Faces rising sun – symbol for birth of Christ, with Tree of Life above door; elements of life … naturalistic style.
Passion Façade, west facing – built according to design created by Gaudi – austere, plain and simple – carved, harsh, straight lines resembling bones of skeleton. Dedicated to suffering of Christ during crucifixion; portraying sins of man.
Glory Façade, south facing – largest, most monumental representing one’s ascension to God; depicts scenes of Hell, Purgatory, elements of seven deadly sins and seven heavenly virtues. Dedicated to Celestial Glory of Jesus, represents road to God: Death, Final Judgement and Glory.
Funding and building permit
Private patrons funded initial stages; money from ticket sales pay for current work together with private donations.
In October 2018, Sagrada Familia trustees agreed to pay city authorities 36 million Euros for building permit, after 136 years of unlicensed construction. Most funds were directed to improve access between church and Barcelona Metro.
Conclusion
After 140 years, Gaudi’s epic vision, Sagrada Familia Basilica is nearly complete – making it world’s tallest church.
No matter what your belief is – Sagrada Familia Basilica gives you a visionary context of God, birth of Christ, His Death, Final Judgement.
In today’s turbulent environment, diseases, violence, disasters, some semblance of belief should exist in all of us.
Amazing combination of artistic vision, technology, artesian talents, colours reflected from stained-glass windows, clever illumination effects, enhancing history through creativity …
A visual feast not to be missed !
See it when you next visit Barcelona …
