Introduction
When it comes to choosing which tower is better at Sagrada Família, it can be difficult to agree on one. The famously unfinished structure by Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, Spain, has two iconic towers – one dedicated to Saint Mary and the other to Jesus. Both towers have unique characteristics, making them attractive in their own way. This article will examine these characteristics and explore which tower is ultimately the clear winner.
Height and Size
Both towers stand equally tall at 170 metres, with the Sancta Maria Tower having the edge due to its slight stature compared to the Jesus Tower, which is the larger of the two. The Sancta Maria Tower is also the oldest of them, having begun construction in 1922, and achieved its final height in 2001, nearly 70 years later. The Jesus Tower, slated to surpass the Sancta Maria Tower in height, had to stop construction due to its structural instability.
Architecture
The difference between the two towers begins with their architectural styles. The Sancta Maria Tower is an interpretation of Gaudí’s iconic Cubism period, complete with a flat rooftop, densely adorned with cubism shapes. The Jesus Tower, on the other hand, has a more Gothic influenced design, decorated with simple spires, spindles, and a serpentine roof.
Symbolism
The Sancta Maria Tower is more than just a sculpture; it’s a sterling symbol of Gaudí’s religious devotion. The spires represent the lily, a flower associated with Mary, while the devotional rhomboidal crosses represent the Crucifixion at Calvary.
The Jesus Tower takes its symbolism from the original Gothic architecture era. Its spires and spindles each point to a distinct religious image or biblical reference. Topping the tower is the beautiful serpentine roof, constructed to entwine itself in the shape of a crown.
Decorations
The decorations too, are as diverse as they’re symbolic. The Sancta Maria Tower is clothed in Gaudí’s classic trencadí mosaic of coloured tiles. As for the Jesus Tower, its facade is clad in golden mosaics, each punctuated with intricately detailed gargoyles and sculptures.
Interior Design
The history and symbolism don’t stop there, for the interior of each tower is just as unique. The Sancta Maria Tower is made up of curved walls and vaulted ceilings, decorated with a mosaic of colourful stained glass. The entrance hall, adorned with an imposing vaulted ceiling, echoes the same religious motifs.
The Jesus Tower’s more elaborate architecture makes it a far more impressive sight. Step inside and you’ll find soft white marble, wrought iron decor, and bejewelled stained glass.
Overall Verdict
In conclusion, the Sagrada Família towers are both breathtakingly beautiful. Both are of significant historical and cultural importance to the city of Barcelona and can be appreciated in their own right. However, if one must decide between the two, it is clear that the Sancta Maria Tower holds the title as the better of the two, due to its striking architecture, exquisite artwork, and symbolic devotion to the Patron Saint of Barcelona, Saint Mary.
