One of the most talked about and striking buildings in the world has to be Barcelona's Sagrada Familia. It is certainly one of the most famous landmarks in the city and is a truly massive building. Often referred to as a “cathedral” it is not actually the city's cathedral and is not home to a bishop's seat. Instead, it is a large and iconic church that was officially raised to a basilica and inaugurated in 2002 by Pope Benedict XVI. Work began on the building in 1882 and will supposedly be completed around 2026. As one of Gaudí's most iconic works in the city so entangled with his life, it really is a must-see for anyone who has found a vacation rental in Barcelona and is planning to explore the beautiful city.
In the middle of the 19th century, bookseller José María Boca Bella, founder of the Asociación Espiritual de Devotos de San José (Spiritual Association of Devotees of St. Joseph), planned to build a church in Barcelona and to devote it to the Holy Family – the "Sagrada Familia.
In the middle of the 19th century, bookseller José María Boca Bella, founder of the Asociación Espiritual de Devotos de San José (Spiritual Association of Devotees of St. Joseph), planned to build a church in Barcelona and to devote it to the Holy Family – the "Sagrada Familia.
A visit to the Vatican in 1872 inspired him to build something akin to the church at Loreto and the apse crypt of his church was begun on the 19th of March 1882, on the festival of St Joseph. Funded entirely by donations, the church was given over to architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, who designed a standard Gothic revival church. However, these original plans were soon altered dramatically when he resigned from the position.
From 1883 the young Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí took over the project, until his death in 1926, and, as such, its image has been greatly shaped by him and his body of work. Each facade is different but richly embellished with sculptural scenes from the bible.
Eight of twelve planned 100m bell towers soar from the church and the cavernous interior is filled with beautiful colourful light that streams through the stained glass windows.
From 1883 the young Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí took over the project, until his death in 1926, and, as such, its image has been greatly shaped by him and his body of work. Each facade is different but richly embellished with sculptural scenes from the bible.
Eight of twelve planned 100m bell towers soar from the church and the cavernous interior is filled with beautiful colourful light that streams through the stained glass windows.
Quite unlike any other church, it seems like something plucked from the pages of a grand fantasy novel and is an extraordinary building that anyone can admire, no matter their religious or cultural background.
Constantly a work in progress and a construction sight, the church is a fascinating beast and a must-see for anyone visiting Spain who has a fondness for architecture.
Constantly a work in progress and a construction sight, the church is a fascinating beast and a must-see for anyone visiting Spain who has a fondness for architecture.