History
The Sagrada Família is a large Roman Catholic church located in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began in 1882 and is expected to be completed by 2026 —the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death. It is an impressive building both inside and out and revered by millions of people around the world.
The project began in 1882 when the land was donated by Eusebi Güell and the project was adopted by the City of Barcelona in 1883. Gaudí was tasked with the project in 1884. Gaudí worked on the project until his death in 1926 and left behind a great deal of irreplaceable drawings, plans, and models.
Design
The Sagrada Família is a masterpiece of Catalan modernism and features a unique and intricate design. Gaudí drew inspiration from medieval texts, Gothic architecture, and nature itself. Its main building blocks are colored stones and hyperboloid-shaped sculpted spires. The blue triangle on the center dome is a symbol of the Holy Trinity and is surrounded by a series of towers. Inside, the Sagrada Família is divided into three sections — the nave, transept and apse.
Designers
Gaudí designed the Sagrada Família’s exterior, but the interior was designed by other architects. Joan Baptista Subirachs and Josep Maria Subirachs both worked on the interior of the church, with Joan Baptista’s designs appearing in the nave and transept and Josep Maria’s works found in the apse and elements of the main façade. Both artists worked closely with Gaudí to create unique and intricate works of art within the church.
Construction
Construction of the Sagrada Família started in 1882, with Gaudí as the head architect. Gaudí worked on the project until 1926. After his death, other architects and engineers continued the project. In 2004, construction began on the apse, the sacristy, the crypt, and other elements of the church. The project experienced many delays, in part due to the Spanish Civil War and a financial crisis in Spain in the early 2000s.
In 2010, the Sagrada Família became Barcelona’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction is expected to be completed by 2026 —the centenary of Gaudí’s death.
Impact
The Sagrada Família is a beloved symbol for the people of Barcelona, Catalonia, and Spain. It has been the epicenter of various cultural and religious events throughout history, including Pope Benedict XVI’s visit in 2006. The Sagrada Família is a popular tourist attraction and over 4 million visitors come to marvel at it every year.
How old is the Sagrada Família?
The Sagrada Família is currently 137 years old, with construction having started in 1882. It is expected to be completed in 2026, making the church 144 years old.
architects Involved
In addition to Gaudí, the Sagrada Família’s design and construction was overseen by several other architects, including Joan Baptista Subirachs, Josep Maria Subirachs, Francesc de Paula Villar, Domènech Sugranyes, Lluís Bonet i Gari, and Francesc Quintana.
Influence of Nature
Gaudí incorporated elements of nature into his designs, such as the columns resembling tree trunks, the twisting spires resembling the branches of a tree, and the colors of different stones giving the effect of a rainbow. This use of natural elements in design was innovative for the time and has been inspiring architects and designers for years.
Features
The Sagrada Família is renowned for its unique features, such as its sculpted spires and intricate stone ornamentation. There are 18 towers in total, 12 representing the apostles, four representing the evangelists, one more for Mary, and the tallest to represent Jesus. Additionally, the façade features carved scenes that tell the story of the birth of Jesus.
Güell Park
Güell Park, designed by Gaudí in 1900, is located close to the Sagrada Família. The 25-hectare park is home to some of Gaudí’s most famous works, including the Dragon Stairway, the Spanish Village, and the gingerbread house-like Casa de les Tres Finestres.
Schools & Workshops
The Sagrada Família often hosts workshops and schools for the local community, where people can learn about art, sculpture, architecture, and history. During these events, visitors can take a tour of the Sagrada Família and even observe a master sculptor at work.
IVV School
The IVV (Institut de Viure i Veure de Barcelona) School is a vocational school located close to the Sagrada Família. The school offers courses in art, sculpture, painting, and architecture, and its students often take part in workshops and other activities in the Sagrada Família.
