For further information, go to www.sagradafamilia.org
La Sagrada Familia (the Sacred Family basilica) is Antoni Gaudi's most famous work -partly because it is unfinished - and is Barcelona's number one tourist attraction. This 18 spire (representing the twelve Apostles, the four Evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ) church was the inspiration of Josep Maria Bocabella, founder of the Spiritual Association of Devotees of Saint Joseph, but was designed by the world famous Spanish architect, Gaudi. Construction began in 1882, though it was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War. When Gaudi died in 1926, the structure was less than 1/4 completed. In 1882, the basilica was surrounded by open fields. Today, with the expansion of Barcelona coming up to the perimeter of the church, it is surrounded by buildings. Since we love to walk, the 45 minute journey didn't bother us. The Metro is an alternative method of commuting to this site. Entrances are on a timed basis, so it isn't unusual to wait 2-3 hours between buying your tickets and finally gaining access. We suggest going early to get them (or buy online) and then explore the neighborhood, and/or have some lunch, before going in. Also, be aware , if during your tour, you come to the main Gift Shop, DO NOT ENTER. This is considered leaving the basilica and you will not be let back in. In addition to the Basillica itself (including the bell towers), the complex includes the crypt ( in which there are only two burials - that of Josep Maria Bocabella and that of Antoni Gaudi), a museum, and a school that Gaudi designed for the children of the workers. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026 ( the centennial of Gaudi's death), at which time La Sagrada Familia will be the tallest church building in the world. This visit was well worth the trip, especially seeing the stunning stained glass windows that cover the walls. For further information, go to www.sagradafamilia.org Street view of La Sacrada Familia Basilica - and construction cranes. When completed in 2026, it will have taken 144 years from start to finish. The huge stained glass windows are absolutely stunning. The pictures don't really capture the beauty and the immensity of the windows. Gaudi created a unique design for the interior columns, for example, starting with a square base, then transitioning into an octagon, then to a sixteen-sided form, before finally ending as a circle. Another distinctive highlight are the spiral staircases leading to the upper levels of the church's interior. On the edge of the Basilica's property is the school that Gaudi designed for the children of the construction crew. The classroom as it looks today... ...and how it looked when it was first put to use.
3 Comments
Kevin (Ohio State)
6/9/2016 11:52:01 pm
Amazing photos on your journey! Thank you for sharing the story with us, I feel like it was just yesterday when we met you and your husband at the buffet in Madrid. Hope you guys have a great and safe travel around Europe. Take care and someday I hope our paths cross once again!
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Carl and Lorraine
6/11/2016 02:55:34 pm
Thanks for your kind words Kevin. We truly enjoyed our conversation with you in Madrid. Don't forget what we told you about Bankok! How wonderfully economic it was to travel there. If you go, we'll see you on Khaosan Road. Our write up about Bankok is February 2015. Good luck in your studies.
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Carl and Lorraine Aveni are two retirees planning on traveling through Europe for at least one year.
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