Barcelona’s Amazing Sagrada Familia

Barcelona is one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities. Some architectural sites of the city are incredibly different from the common Spanish design of the cities. This would never happen if one brilliant architect wouldn’t have  had the courage to draw, first of all, his ideas. His name was Antoni Gaudi. He lived between 1852 and 1926 and although some specialists say that its buildings can be considered a part of Art Nouveau, he is definitely the creator of a new and original style. His most famous work is the Sagrada Familia, Spain’s most famous cathedral.

The work on Sagrada Familia, or The Sacred Family, started 127 years ago, in 1882 and the temple has not been finished even today. Moreover, the ending date is not sure: some say that in 2026 this breathtaking building will be completed – others approximate the ending in 2041. One thing we know for sure: Gaudi dedicated more than 40 years of his life to the construction of this Roman Catholic basilica, of which 15 years exclusively. 127 years ago, now and most probably in the future, the constructors are using the same techniques that Gaudi was using in the building process.

Gaudi initially designed 18 towers for this basilica, representing the Twelve Apostles, the four Evangelists, the Virgin Mary and, tallest of all, Jesus Christ (170 meters). The tallest tower is one meter smaller than a nearby hill, since Gaudi thought that his work should not outdo God’s work. The cathedral will eventually have three facades: the Navity (to the East), the Glory (to the South) and the Passion (to the West). Each facade has a portal, representing the honor of Faith, Hope and Love. At the present time, just two are completed (The Navity and Passion). The Navity facade illustrates biblical characters and nature themes.

The towers of this facade contain elements of Cubism, being finished in the 1930s and the tops contain geometrical shapes and colorful forms. Only eight of the towers have been completed until now.

One can get up in the towers either by elevator or by climbing 400 steps. Up there, you can walk around the towers and admire sights of Barcelona. The interior of the cathedral represents sins, saints and regions of Spain. Admission costs 8 Euros, and you can also have access to the Crypt (where Gaudi is buried) and to a museum dedicated to Gaudi’s work.