The completion of Gaudi’s most famous work, the Sagrada Família, has been long awaited and the question on everyone’s mind is: Is the Sagrada Família open?
The answer is both yes and no. Visitors to the Sagrada Família are able to enjoy the various expositions, the basilica, and all of its scenic beauty, but construction is ongoing and the towers and some of the architecture remain unfinished.
The sign that reads “school in progress” is clearly visible to those entering the Sagrada Família. Considered the most emblematic monument of Barcelona and one of Gaudi’s masterpieces, the Sagrada Família has been in construction since 1882 and the only thing that has really advanced is the number of distractions and testimonies of an extraordinary artist.
In 1882, Francisco de Paula del Villar, a Catalan architect, was commissioned to design the Sagrada Família. When he left the project a year later, it was taken over by one of his students, Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí brought a unique vision to the project and worked on it for the next 43 years, making it one of the most iconic structures in the world.
Although the church was originally planned to be completed in 2010, the progression has been slow and construction has often been delayed due to technical and political issues, as well as limited financing. However, in September 2020, the Sagrada Família reached a considerable milestone upon the completion of the Glory Facade – a design of towers, stained-glass windows and sculptures intended to represent the kingdom of heaven.
Despite this significant achievement, the basilica’s construction is not scheduled to finish until 2026, in celebration of Gaudi’s 150th birthday. Until then, the Sagrada Família will remain a work in progress. Rightfully so, it has become a testament to Gaudi’s ingenuity and artistry, one that will remain unparalleled for years to come.
Impact on Visitation
One of the most pressing questions is how the ongoing construction has affected the visitation of the Sagrada Familia. Surprisingly, despite the construction, the number of visitors to the site has skyrocketed over the years with over five million people paying a visit in 2018. This is due to its popularity both as a tourist attraction and religious site, as well as its ongoing works.
To manage the crowds while allowing construction to continue, the Sagrada Família has adopted a timed ticketing system, dividing the entrances into several periods throughout the day. In addition, only a set number of visitors are able to enter each period, ensuring that the site remains crowd-proof and safe for everyone.
The management team behind the Sagrada Família also employs a sophisticated ticketing system that allows visitors to purchase tickets online. This not only eliminates queues and long waiting times but also prevents fraud and reduces the costs associated with manual ticketing.
Not only does the Sagrada Família’s ticketing system simplify the visitor experience, it also helps to protect the integrity of the monument. A large part of the construction remains open to the public and the increased regulation ensures that the safety of the visitors, workers, and the construction itself is not compromised.
Environmental Impact
The impressive structure of the Sagrada Família comes with a surprisingly important environmental impact. Particularly due to the extensive amount of resources it takes to build and maintain the basilica.
The project is conscious of its environmental commitments and has taken steps to ensure their objectives are met accordingly. For example, all materials used such as concrete, stone, and plaster are all certified sustainable natural materials. Additionally, the solar panels have been installed in the vicinity of the building to provide clean energy to both the households and the church.
The project also invests in innovative engineering solutions such as the aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) system which is completely underground and underwater. This system works to enhance the sustainability of the building even further by providing clean and renewable energy for cooling and heating.
All of the elements mentioned serve to counteract the environmental impact of the monument and to set a strong foundation in environmental preservation.
Financial Impact
The project has resulted in a massive financial expenditure, the total amount of money that has gone into the completion of the Sagrada Família over the years is estimated to be upwards of €50 billion. This makes the Sagrada Família project one of the most expensive constructions in history.
Most of the funds come from public donations, tourists admissions, and various sources of private investments. Without such financing, the construction of the basilica would have been impossible. The ability to successfully raise large amounts of money is a testament to the popularity of the project and its long-term significance in the local community.
In addition to providing resources for the completion of the building, these investments have created hundreds of jobs in the area, proven to be a major benefit for the local economy. As of 2021, the Sagrada Família remains a major source of employment for Barcelona, accounting for more than 15,000 jobs.
It’s clear that completion of the Sagrada Família is pivotal to the economic development of Spain and the region. With this in mind, authorities have vowed to make the completion of the project a priority.
International Recognition
The popularity of the Sagrada Família can hardly be overstated. It has been featured in numerous films and books and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has even been chosen as one of the “New 7 Wonders of the World”.
The structure has drawn the attention of so many due to its beauty and its immense detail. Every element of the building is a work of art, from the carvings in the stone to the colorful mosaics that adorn its facades. Much of this detail is based on the architecture of the gothic era but its unique style has set it apart from any other building in the world.
In spite of its fame and historical significance, the Sagrada Família is still a work in progress. It remains a symbol of hope and inspiration to the people of Barcelona and to those who visit it.
Philosophical Undertones
The Sagrada Família has been enhanced by its philosophical undertones. Each of the three facades – the Nativity facade facing east, the Passion facade facing west, and the Glory facade – holds significant meaning. Not only does it act as a spiritual symbol, it also serves as a physical embodiment of nature and its beauty.
Upon completion the Nativity facade will consist of eighteen towers, each of which will represent one of the apostles and each will have a unique design. This is meant to represent the mountain of the church, a metaphor for the journey of life. The Passion facade will contain an entrance, four bell towers, and six spires that represent the garden of Gethsemane and the Calvary.
On the other hand, the Glory facade is meant to represent the Kingdom of Heaven. The Nativity, Passion and Glory facades together represent the journey of Christianity and serve as a reminder that life is in continuous evolution.
Future Plans
Although the completion of the Sagrada Família remains a distant goal, progress continues to be made and hopes remain high for a successful completion. In addition to the current construction, the team behind the Sagrada Família remain focused on future plans such as the completion of the Nativity Facade, the outline of which has already been mapped out.
Since its inception, the Sagrada Família has become a symbol of hope and inspiration. Every year, millions of people from around the world make their pilgrimage to the church and the completion of the project is something the world is eagerly awaiting.
Until then, the construction continues and those who visit the site will be able to take in the beautiful architecture and religious symbolism that Gaudi so lovingly crafted.
Popularity Amongst Tourists
The Sagrada Família has been consistently ranked as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe and attracts millions of visitors each year, not to mention being Barcelona’s most visited attraction.
Aside from being a world-renowned monument, the Sagrada Família has become a symbol of innovation and perseverance. The complexity of Gaudi’s design and the science behind it set it apart from any other building in the world and make it one of the most remarkable structures of all time.
Every detail of the building must be carefully crafted to ensure the building remains strong and durable and its intricate structures require the help of engineers and architects in the higher educations who provide the necessary information and guidance.
No wonder then that the Sagrada Família continues to draw attention from history, architecture and art enthusiasts alike, making it a must-see destination for international tourists.
Conservation Efforts and Public Awareness
In light of the Sagrada Família’s worldwide fame, authorities have taken steps to ensure its long-term preservation. Initiatives to control construction and the general upkeep of the site have been implemented and educational programs have been established to raise public awareness of the monument’s historical and social value.
This includes an emphasis on raising awareness of Gaudi’s accomplishments and his pioneering architectural style, as well as engaging with the local community to understand the site’s historical and cultural significance.
A special task force has also been established to coordinate the efforts to preserve the building’s original structures and materials and to regulate the number of visitors and staff on site.
This is done to protect the monument’s integrity and to ensure that its preservation remains a top priority.
Conclusion
The Sagrada Família is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and impressive structures in the world and its completion is eagerly awaited. Despite the on-going construction, the site remains open to visitors, who can enjoy its beauty and take in the genius of Gaudi’s design.
In the meantime, authorities are taking necessary steps to protect the monument’s integrity and to ensure its long-term preservation. The Sagrada Família is a symbol of hope and perseverance and its completion is something the world is excitedly anticipation.
