Overview
The Sagrada Família is a massive, iconic Roman Catholic basilica located in Barcelona, Spain that is a symbol of the culture and identity of Barcelona. Construction of the building began in 1882 and is the brainchild of the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. The basilica is considered one of his most impressive and renowned works that has incorporated both traditional and modern elements into its design. Since the very beginning of its construction, the project has been surrounded by controversy, with some even questioning whether or not it will ever be completed. In this essay, we will explore the details of this monumental construction including when it might be completed.
Gaudí’s Vision
The idea of the Sagrada Família was first concieved in 1825 by a bookseller, Francesc de Paula Villar, who began imagining the basilica’s construction. It was not until 1882 that work began on the construction, when Gaudí took over the project. He had to start over from scratch, including designing the columns and friezes completely anew. He invested his own personal funds and energy to bring the project to life, and work began on the inside of the building. Gaudí worked on the project for over 40 years, ensuring that every element of the basilica was built exactly according to his vision. Gaudí’s passing in 1926 marked the end of his involvement in the construction, but the city vowed to continue on the project.
Construction and Controversy
Construction of the basilica has continued ever since Gaudí’s passing since 1926. Over the years, the project has been funded through private grants, donations, and publicity campaigns. In 2005, the basilica was consecrated and declared as a minor basilica, meaning consecrated by the Pope himself. Despite the consecration, the basilica is still a work in progress and is estimated to be a quarter finished. Despite much controversy and debate surrounding the project, construction and fundraisers still continue.
The project has been marred by controversy throughout its lifespan. In addition to the high cost of the project, opponents argue that it detracts from the religious symbolism and atmosphere. Gaudí’s unorthodox style of architecture has also been a source of criticism for the conservative locals and visitors alike. In 1957 there was an attempt to demolish the basilica, but thankfully the protests from Antoni Gaudí’s admirers saved the project.
When Is Sagrada Família Finished?
It is estimated that the Sagrada Família will be completed sometime around 2030, pending new delays. The original case was to complete the basilica by the centenary of Gaudi’s death in 2026, however the coronavirus pandemic has put construction far behind schedule. Despite being at least a century behind Gaudí’s original timeline, the project still has strong support from locals and tourists alike. Even with the delays, the city is confident that the project can be completed in the next 10 years.
In order to complete the basilica, the City plans to hire 4,000 workers and raise an additional $415 million. The Sagrada Família will be the largest church in Europe when it is completed, requiring more funding and manpower than ever before. The completion of the project will be an international celebration, and the city is already making preparations for the eventual centenary of Gaudí’s death regardless of the construction being finished by then.
The Design
The design of the Sagrada Família is certainly unique and has been described as “Gaudí’s personal Gothic interpretation”. While it is inspired by Gothic architecture, it incorporates modern materials and designs not seen in traditional gothic buildings. Gaudí’s use of both traditional and modern elements makes the basilica a landmark of both past and present. The combination of pointed and curved towers and ornate decorations give the basilica its unique look, one that visitors from all around the world can appreciate.
The basilica is composed of 18 spires, all of which have their own individual design and purpose. The spires are dedicated to Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, The Twelve Apostles, four evangelists and two other figures of great significance to the Catholic faith, and each spire is decorated accordingly. The design of the building is also very intricate, and includes many hidden symbols that are representative of different aspects of the Catholic faith.
The Finishing Touches
The completion of the Sagrada Família will be an incredible accomplishment, and the project still requires significant amounts of work before it is completed. The interior of the basilica still needs to be completed, and the groundwork for this is already being laid. The amount of detail and effort going into each portion of the project is remarkable, and it is sure to be an incredible sight when it is finished.
The distinctive facades of the basilica still need to be finished, with the Nativity facade set to be the first. On it, Gaudí integrated a 12-meter bell tower, which is made up of two overlapping pieces, in the center of the facade. Also, the western facade known as the Passion Facade is the most controversial and will require an enormous amount of work before it is finished. Finally, the Glory Facade is said to be the most solemn and includes statues that symbolize both triumph and joy.
Environmental Impact
A lesser known but no less important element of the Sagrada Família project is its environmental impact. The basilica is not just a symbol of Barcelona, but is also the home to many species of birds and plants that depend on it for its habitat. Additionally, the project is committed to using sustainable building practices to minimize its environmental impact.
The architects behind the project have also sought to employ green methods when constructing the building, such as using wind turbines and solar panels to power the building. Additionally, the project aims to reduce its carbon footprint by using local, sustainable materials and by reusing waste materials. By using green methods and sustainable building practices, the environmental impact of the Sagrada Família can be reduced significantly once the project is complete.
Conclusion
The completion of the Sagrada Família is an admirable and ambitious goal that is attaining global attention. The construction of this monumental work is a symbol of hope for the future and for all those who have worked and dedicated their lives to this project. With the current estimates being 2030 and considering the delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic, it is clear that the basilica is still a long way from completion. While completion seems far off, it is also within reach, and will certainly be a momentous occasion when it is done and can be enjoyed by generations to come.
