Description of Towers
The Basílica de la Sagrada Família is world-renowned for its remarkable architectural ambition and spectacular towers, each one reaching a maximum height of over 170 metres.
The iconic East and Nativity Towers are located on the façade of the church and are visible for miles around. The East Tower is an example of the splendor of the neo-Gothic style. It rises 140 metres in total and offers an incredible city skyline and superb views of the interior and exteriors of the Basílica.
The Nativity Tower stands 125 metres high at the front entrance to the Basílica and is a representation of the birth of Jesus. This graceful yet powerful tower is constructed using a combination of more traditional Gothic and more modernist materials.
East Tower Presentation
The East Tower with its bright yellow limestone façade is the highest in the Sagrada Família and is crowned with the figure of Jesus Christ, standing with arms outstretched in a sign of welcome.
This tower is dedicated to the passion of Jesus and symbolizes the sacrifices he made for humanity. It has distinctive colours – white stucco, bronze and gold accents – which reflects the diversity of its construction and the complexity of its design.
The East Tower itself is made up of eight sections divided by eight pillars of varying heights that were designed by Antoni Gaudí himself. This structure is then topped with four smaller towers which symbolize gospel authors. These four towers hold up a large golden cross, the symbol of Christ.
The East Tower is a stunning example of Gaudí’s use of the Gothic style of architecture. It can be viewed from various angles, giving the viewer different perspectives of its beauty.
Nativity Tower Presentation
The Nativity Tower of the Sagrada Família is situated at the south entrance on the nave. It is dedicated to the birth of Jesus and stands at 125 metres tall.
This striking tower incorporates a variety of styles – ornate Gothic windows, neo-Romantic towers – and has been constructed with a combination of different materials, from stone and brick to copper and bronze.
The Nativity Tower is the most accessible tower in the Sagrada Família, as it has lifts and a staircase which visitors can use to ascend it. From the top of this tower, visitors get an incredible view of the city, as well as the surrounding landscapes.
The Nativity Tower is also home to the Clotilde bell, which is rung at festive occasions such as Christmas and Easter. Its sound used to bring the message of Jesus’ birth to the city.
Expert Opinion on Which Tower is Better
According to experts in architecture, the East Tower is the superior Sagrada Família tower, both in terms of its design and its influence in the world of art and architecture.
Architects and experts agree that it is the most remarkable and iconic tower, as well as a masterpiece of modernist design. Its harmonious and balanced structure and colours are an enduring testament to Gaudí’s genius.
From a practical point of view, the East Tower is also the better of the two towers as it has lifts, while the Nativity Tower is not wheelchair accessible. This means that more people are able to access the East Tower and enjoy its spectacular views.
Analysis of Towers
The East Tower is without doubt the superior Sagrada Família tower, offering visitors a unique experience with its extraordinary height and views of the city. It is also the most accessible of the two towers, with lifts and a staircase.
The Nativity Tower is no less impressive and majestic, although it is slightly smaller at 125 metres tall. It is the iconic gateway to the Basílica and a powerful symbol of the birth of Jesus. It also provides an incredible view of the city and its surrounds.
Both towers are spectacular examples of Gothic and modernist architecture and are sure to leave you in awe.
Modernist Design Differences
The differences between the East Tower and the Nativity Tower are due to the different design and construction materials used in each tower. The East Tower is much more heavily decorated than the Nativity Tower, with intricate Stucco and bronze embellishments, while the Nativity Tower is decorated with simpler geometric designs.
The East Tower also uses a more traditional Gothic style of architecture, while the Nativity Tower has an adaptation of more modernist designs. The Nativity Tower’s use of copper and bronze materials give it a unique appeal that the East Tower lacks.
The differences between the two towers also extend to their height – the East Tower is 140 metres tall while the Nativity Tower is only 125 metres tall. This shows a marked difference in scale between the two towers.
Maintenance
Both towers of the Sagrada Família require regular maintenance and cleaning to protect the structures from damage and the elements. This is especially important for the East Tower, which is the tallest structure in the Basílica, and is exposed to heavy winds and rains.
The Nativity Tower, on the other hand, is more sheltered from the elements, making it easier to preserve and maintain. However, both towers require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure that they remain in good condition for future generations to enjoy.
Environmental Impact
The construction of the East and Nativity Towers did have a significant environmental impact on the surrounding area. The construction of the towers required the removal of some trees and the area around them needed to be cleared to make way for the foundations.
The towers also blocked important sun rays, affecting the microclimate of the neighbourhood. The heat absorbed by the towers also caused changes in the local wind patterns, which can also have a negative effect on the surrounding environment.
The towers also require a large amount of energy to be maintained and powered. This negatively affects the environment, as it requires the burning of fossil fuels which emits carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Conclusion
The East Tower and the Nativity Tower of the Sagrada Família are two of the most remarkable towers in the world. While the East Tower is widely considered to be the superior of the two towers, due to its height, design and accessibility, both towers remain iconic examples of Gothic and modernist architecture.
Both towers require regular maintenance and cleaning, and their construction and maintenance both have a significant environmental impact. However, these towers remain an incredible feat of engineering and design, and are sure to leave visitors in awe of their magnificence.
