{"id":13853,"date":"2024-01-05T23:06:11","date_gmt":"2024-01-05T22:06:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.monumentsandsights.com\/?p=13853"},"modified":"2024-01-05T23:06:11","modified_gmt":"2024-01-05T22:06:11","slug":"when-was-the-sagrada-familia-started","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.monumentsandsights.com\/when-was-the-sagrada-familia-started\/","title":{"rendered":"When Was The Sagrada Familia Started"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Construction of the iconic and inspiring Sagrada Familia started in the 19th century in Barcelona, Spain. Plans for the intended church began in 1883 when architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, in consultation with Anton Gaudi, drafted a design for a Neo-Gothic building. After taking over the construction in 1885, Gaudi began a complete re-design that included his signature peculiar and creative style. He began to incorporate an imaginative combination of Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms, creating a building structure that has been referred to as one of the most unusual and complex spiritual structures in the world. <\/p>\n

Gaudi’s intention was to emphasize and respect the spiritual nature of the church. He believed that Art should not immerse itself in materialistic ambitions or the prevailing enthusiasm of the times. To create this original masterpiece, Gaudi worked with a team of craftsmen that included sculptors, masons, painters and iron-smiths. As the project grew, so did the attention of the local people, not only because of Gaudi’s reputation but also because it was a type of structure never seen before. <\/p>\n

This building, which began its construction 143 years ago, was expected to be concluded by the early 20th century. However, due to a lack of funding, work on the Sagrada Familia was stalled for decades and is only recently nearing completion. Fortunately, Gaudi left detailed plans and drawings of his creative vision, and with the help of modern technology, funds, and inspired craftsmen, a completion of this magnificent building is finally within sight. <\/p>\n

Though the Sagrada Familia is a church, its concept does not consist of traditional Christian symbols. Its central aspect is the Nativity Façade, decorated with scenes depicting the birth of Jesus according to the Gospels. On the south side, the Passion Façade shows the suffering and persecution Jesus suffered, while the north side tells stories related to the glory of Heaven proclaimed throughout his life.<\/p>\n