La Sagrada Familia
The expiatory temple of the Sagrada Familia is a Catholic basilica. It is a distinctive church for its modernist architecture, the work of Gaudi (1852-1926). The church, whose construction began in 1882, has not been completed.
About this building
La Sagrada Familia is a masterpiece of Barcelona's iconic architect Antoni Gaudi. He was commissioned to design a church whose design was originally to be executed by another architect in the neo-Gothic style. Gaudí devoted the last years of his life exclusively to the church. Before his death, he only saw one of the 18 towers finished, that of the apostle Barnabas.
The temple has three façades: the Nativity, the Passion, and the Glory. Each consists of detailed biblical scenes carved into the rock that can be read like a storybook for each of these Christian chapters.
To date eight of the 18 towers have been erected. Four towers represent the four evangelists. Twelve towers represent the twelve apostles. The two central towers are reserved for the Virgin Mary and Jesus (this one being the tallest of them all).
For the interior Gaudí was inspired by nature and its forms, having the appearance of a stone forest. Stained glass windows add a layer of colour to this pattern of natural forms.
Despite the temple being unfinished, in 2005 the Nativity façade and crypt were named UNESCO world heritage.
