La Sagrada Familia
An Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983
La Sagrada Familia
A small group of Familia, perhaps one of the world’s most iconic buildings, including the i Temple Expiatori de Familia (otherwise known as the Sagrada Familia). This is a Roman Catholic in designed by Catalan (also known for famous architectural works in such as , and ). This is and our provides an understanding as to why. A , this almost 3 million visitors a year and has become an emblematic monument of the Spanish city, yet it remains an unfinished masterpiece.
The History of La Sagrada Familia
The foundation stone of the Sagrada Familia was laid in the in 1882 but when the became involved with the project the following year, he changed the original plans for a neo-Gothic in order to create something much more visionary. He wanted to the inside of the cathedral to look like a forest and envisioned it being able to seat 13,000 people with a central 170 metres high above the transept. The would be surrounded by 17 smaller towers representing the apostles, Virgin Mary, the four evangelists and Jesus. also imagined the facade to show scenes from the nativity and other biblical elements. The , along with ‘s other work in , such as the showcases his unique style that combines elements of Art Nouveau, Catalan Modernism and Spanish neo-Gothic design. The Sagrada Familia, along with Gaudi’s other work in Barcelona, showcases his unique style that combines elements of Art Nouveau, Catalan Modernism and Spanish neo-Gothic design.
Antoni Gaudi worked tirelessly on the project until his untimely death in 1926 but less than a quarter of the church had been completed. Finishing Gaudi’s architectural wonder has relied solely on private donations and as a result, the Sagrada Familia’s construction has progressed slowly, particularly following a hiatus during the Spanish Civil War. In July 1936, revolutionaries broke into the crypt (where Gaudi is buried) and set it on fire, destroying Gaudi’s original plans, models and drawings. It took almost two decades for those working on the project to put fragments of the master model back together and continue fulfilling Gaudi’s vision. In the last few years, technology advancements have allowed construction to progress at a quicker rate and will be finished by 2026, a century after . When the is completed, it will be tallest religious building in all of Europe.
Visiting La Sagrada Familia
No trip to is complete without a . It is a unique experience reflective on its listing as a . Although the remains a building site, the completed sections and the can be explored. Guides join our small group The vary in price depending on which areas of the you see and depending if you visit the highest part of the .
Articles about Spain published by Odyssey Traveller:
- Questions about Spain.
- Empires crossing the Mediterranean: 1130-1300.
- 15 of the best places to visit in Spain.
- Barcelona travel notes.
- Pilgrimages of the World: Advice for mature and senior travellers.
- Books to read on a trip to Spain.
- Eight Amazing Rail Journeys.
- Five Renaissance Women.
For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link.