The La Sagrada Familia is a one of a kind religious building commissioned by Antoni Gaudi, a tree generation architect that designed and created a masterpiece of peaceful spirit, interesting details and cultural influence. It has been described as an open book of Christian faith, that has been worked upon for more than 130 years.
La Sagrada Familia is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Barcelona, Spain. The construction of La Sagrada Familia started on March 19, 1882 when Gaudi took the project over. La Sagrada Familia is a basilica church which is planned to be built in four phases during the lifetime of Gaudi.
Gaudi’s work on the construction of La Sagrada Familia was interrupted in 1926 due to his death but the basilica was still unfinished after his passing. After Gaudi’s death, numerous other architects and engineers have continued work on La Sagrada Familia, each of which attempting to fulfil Gaudi’s original design. During Gaudi’s lifetime, the only part of the basilica completed was the crypt, which he finished in time for the 1931 Catholic ceremony held inside the building.
The project took a great leap forward in 1995, when the architects Jordi Bonet and Mark Burges, who both worked in partnership with Gaudi, joined together to continue the construction of La Sagrada Familia. They completed the foundations of the incomplete towers and started the final phase of construction. After 26 years of hard work, Bonet and Burges managed to complete the Nativity Facade – the original design by Gaudi – and the Apse in 2005.
In 2007, the La Sagrada Familia was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI and it was declared a minor basilica. This event filled the Barcelona people with joy thanks to.the meaningful history of the basilica.
Currently, the La Sagrada Familia is going through the fourth and final phase of construction in order to complete the basilica as Gaudi initially envisioned it. It is estimated that the construction will be finished at the end of 2026. The works to finish La Sagrada Familia until then are focused on the decoration of its vast interiors, the completion of three façades, the construction of nine new towers, and the completion of the Passion Facade.
Gaudi’s Design
Gaudi’s references for his design of the La Sagrada Familia come from nature as well as from ancient Christian art. The entire shape and amalgamation of the basilica are based upon the inherent geometric patterns in nature, which every living thing in nature follows. This idea of an organic logic is seen in the geometry of the wide variety of shapes and designs employed in the construction of the building. The architecture is such that all of its parts – main parts, towers and ornaments – direct the viewer to the entry.
The Nativity Facade was the original design by Gaudi and is best known among the Barcelona population. It consists of a triptych with a tower in the centre, which represents Jesus. On either side of the tower are eight pointed stars. The base of the nave has parables depicting Jesus’ life and evangelists, accompanied by twelve towers symbolizing the twelve apostles.
The beauty of La Sagrada Familia is found in Gaudi’s skillful play of windows and light that create an aura which seems quite unique to the basilica. The light enters through dozens of windows in each of the façades, which undoubtedly contributes to the feeling of holiness created inside the basilica.
Symbolism
The La Sagrada Familia is a landmark not only of Barcelona but of the world. Thanks to its beautiful façades and its important religious background, the basilica has become a symbol of faith, hope, and peace throughout the globe. Moreover, the basilica is a prominent symbol of heritage and culture as it stands out among the other buildings in the Barcelona skyline.
The façades of La Sagrada Familia have several engineering marvels, as well as meaningful details regarding Christianity. For example, the Nativity Facade is designed in a way that is meant to inspire contemplation in visitors to the basilica, allowing them to come to their own conclusions about the events of Jesus’ life that the façade represents.
The Passion Facade was designed by Gaudi to represent the events leading to the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. The origami style is meant to mimic the structure of a traditional church, and it is an example of the engineering marvels achieved by the designing of the basilica. Additionally, the Passion Facade contains sculptures that depict the life and events of Jesus in a symbolic manner.
Finally, the Glory Facade is the main façade of the basilica, which is located at the entrance of the building. It represents the family of Jesus, the Virgin Mary and Joseph. It is also meant to magnify Gaudi’s organic ideas – the organic shapes and designs.
Summary
La Sagrada Familia is a revered religious site for the people of Barcelona and is one of the most iconic architectural symbols in the world. It was designed by Antoni Gaudi with religious, engineering and cultural influences, intended to inspire contemplation. Construction of the La Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and is expected to be completed in 2026. While mostly completed, the building still requires the completion of three façades, nine towers, and various other smaller additions. The significance of the basilica for Barcelona and for the world stands as an eternal reminder and symbol of faith, hope, and peace.
Controversy
The construction of the La Sagrada Familia has not been without its controversy. In 1998, the Spanish government displaced thousands of people living in the area of the basilica when they declared it a protected heritage site. The move was met with a great deal of criticism due to the displacement of local families and the disruption of the previously peaceful rural setting. Additionally, the hefty fees to enter the basilica are met with criticism due to the barrier of access created by the high entrance fees.
The most controversial element of construction of the La Sagrada Familia is the varying architectural styles present in the design, as some work done by post-Gaudi architects clash drastically with the traditional Gaudi style. In an attempt to modernize the basilica and to bring it up to contemporary design standards, some post-Gaudi architects have modified the initially traditional designs of Gaudi to more modern designs that have been met with criticism and disdain.
Impact on Barcelona
The La Sagrada Familia has had an incredible impact on the city of Barcelona, inspired by its historical, social, and religious importance as well as by its unparalleled design. The basilica is a landmark not only in Barcelona but also in the world; it has become an iconic symbol of faith and hope, as well as of cultural heritage.
The basilica has become a site of pilgrimage for many of Christian faiths and is visited by thousands of people daily. Over the years, the money brought in by the large number of visitors has helped to fund improvements in the city, as well as to pay for the construction of the basilica.
In addition to its economic impact, La Sagrada Familia has become a symbol of Barcelona, embodying the city’s culture, history and faith. The basilica is used as a marker for tourists and locals alike, as it stands out among the city’s other architectural marvels and is easily recognizable in the Barcelona skyline.
Gaudi’s Legacy
Antoni Gaudi has left an indelible mark on Barcelona, as seen in his many other works, such as El Parque Güell and Casa Milà. His unique and visionary design style has inspired countless other architects and designers, as well as garnered admiration from people around the world.
Gaudi dedicated himself fully to constructing his vision of the La Sagrada Familia, and his dedication and passion have left a lasting legacy for Barcelona and for Spain. His work on the basilica will continue to inspire Barcelona and the entire world for years to come as construction on the basilica is planned to finish in 2026.
In addition to his work on the La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s other works have become a source of national pride for Spain and Barcelona alike, as they embody the unique and innovative design sense of the great Gaudi himself. His works throughout Barcelona are a symbol of the city’s spirit and resilience, and are a testament to the passion and dedication of Gaudi himself.
Conclusion
The La Sagrada Familia, while still unfinished, continues to stand strong as a symbol of faith, hope, and love. Its unique and organic design has inspired many as it stands tall among the rest of Barcelona’s architectural beauty. The basilica is a representation of the incredible vision, dedication and passion of its creator, Antoni Gaudi, and it is sure to stand for many years to come.
