Not only it is classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site (like many of his works), it has been proclaimed Basilica (by Pope Benedict XVI).
The architectural project was so massive, it was estimated to require one and a half century to complete its construction. And because the project only commenced in 1882,
you guessed it...
Sagrada Familia is STILL an on-going construction project.
Expected to complete in 2026 (gosh, I would be in my 40s then), it only passed mid-point construction just last year (2010).
Indeed, Sagrada Familiar was Antoni Gaudí magnum opus.
Behind every sculpture, design, carving, tower, arch and pillar, there lies a story worth telling. So it's wise to spend a whole day at the Sagrada Familia when you have the chance to visit this grand temple.
If you're into architectural history and religious culture; rent a recorded audioguide and immerse yourself in the most amazing piece of art in Spain.
I began my tour in the market place (in front of the temple), where the Christmas spirit was roving through the city in hot wave.
Everywhere I turned there was something christmas-y, something red and something jesus christ.
bark for sale, anyone?
If you arrive at the tourist hotspot of Sagrada Familia before 9:30am, you could skip most of the queues that would arrive 2 minutes later and save yourself two hours in the dead cold chills (or hot summer heat, depending on which season you visit) outside the entrance.
Pay your fee (12.50€, save 2€ if you're old, studying or a minor) and enter.
Finally, welcome to Sagrada Familia.
Or more formally known as Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família.
colorful refraction within the temple
magical service
on-going construction
The Sagrada Familia was designed to have three grand façades - facing the East (Navity Façade), West (Passion Façade) and South (Glory Façade).
blue print of Sagrada Familia
Glory Façade would be the grandest and largest façades of all which began construction in 2002 (view left of photo on the top).
Whereas the Navity Façade was the earliest to finish construction and hence the most heavily influenced of Gaudi's style.
Navity Façade
And if you ever want to observe Antoni Gaudi at his best, this would be it.
Behold...
The whole story of Jesus depicted on the arches.
teenage Jesus preaching
three kings
Joseph and a young jesus
Virgin Mary and baby Jesus
Fruits that symbolize tales
And me!!
Pay another small fee and take the lift up to the towers (the stairs down).
You can continue with more spiral stairs once you reach mid-way to the top.
Round and round we go
mmm... a blocked stair, wonder where that leads to.
You'll be able to see Barcelona city on the way up. Though some argue that the mediocre view is not worth the price up.
For me, it's the experience. Not the view.
you can view larger file here.
view larger file here.
bullet-like building in the distance
view down one of the towers
view up
walking down the stairs
vandalized wall
dark and light
dizzy
Finally, let me bring to Anthoni Gaudi's lab.
Model of the Passion Façade entrance.
his idea origin
Below are the three pictures of the progress of Sagrada Familia through the years.
Year 1889
1908
1926
And some of the things built for the temple.
candelabrum
confession room
Finally, the picture portrait of the famous architect.
Before you leave, don't forget to drop by another UNESCO site right in front of the basillica - School of Sagrada Familia.
It's known for its curvy roofs, a modernism in the past.
And thus, end the tour of the third work of Anthoni Gaudi - Sagrada Familia.
View his other works here :-
Casa Milà
Casa Batlló and
Park Güell
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