If you’ve always wanted to visit Barcelona, Spain, and are fascinated by modern architecture, consider taking a trip to La Sagrada Familia. This church is one of the city’s most famous attractions. Originally built in the 1880s, it remains partially unfinished. However, you can still get a glimpse of the interior and enjoy the view from the exterior.
Origins
La Sagrada Familia is a landmark in Barcelona, Spain. The church is a Roman Catholic basilica. It has a unique architectural style and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. However, the origins of the building are not well-known.
The origins of La Sagrada Familia can be traced back to a book seller named Josep Maria Bocabella y Verdaguer. His dream was to build a church in the style of Basilica Della Santa Casa in Loreto, Italy. He also wanted to establish a society that would collect donations and raise money for the construction. In 1866, Mr. Bocabella founded the Association of Devotees of St. Joseph.
Antoni Gaudi was appointed director of the project in 1883. Construction began in August of that year. At the time, Gaudi was just 31 years old. He was aware that his work would take decades to complete. When he died in 1926, the construction of the church was not finished.
Several architects were inspired by Gaudi’s designs, including Francesc de Paula Cardoner Blanch, Jordi Bonet i Gari, and Domenec Sugranes. After Gaudi’s death, they continued the Sagrada Familia project.
The church’s ground plan is built on a southeast-northwest axis. This diagonal orientation is in line with the planning of the city of Barcelona.
The basilica was to have eighteen towers. These towers represent important biblical figures, such as Mary, Joseph and Jesus. As of 2010, the Sagrada Familia was declared a basilica by Pope Benedict XVI.
Despite the long-running controversy surrounding the construction of the Sagrada Familia, it continues to attract tourists from all over the world. Currently, it draws five million visitors each year.
During the Spanish Civil War, revolutionaries tried to destroy the project. The Sagrada Familia lost some of its designs in fire. The original plans were destroyed. Local intellectuals fought against the construction. Ultimately, the Spanish government was successful. Although the church was damaged, its history and the work of the builders have inspired generations.
Today, the construction of the church has continued and is expected to be finished by 2026. Since 2012, the project has been under the supervision of Jordi Fauli Oller.
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Architecture
Sagrada Familia is one of the most visited landmarks in Barcelona. It’s a Roman Catholic basilica. Located in the city’s center, it was designed by Antoni Gaudi. This magnificent landmark attracts millions of tourists every year. The structure is made up of a series of towers and spires, each of which symbolizes a biblical figure.
One of the most notable features of the Sagrada Familia is its interior. It’s decorated with ornate sculpture and mosaics. The interior is built on a cruciform plan. When light changes, the pillars change their shapes. Moreover, the building features a series of ogives, rose windows and large windows.
The Sagrada Familia was originally intended as a simple Roman Catholic church. However, it later evolved into a cathedral. Today, it is considered a World Heritage Site.
Construction began in 1882, under Francisco de Paula del Villar. After the death of Villar, Gaudi took over the project and worked until his own death. He was buried in the crypt.
Although the construction of Sagrada Familia halted in 1926, the church is expected to be finished in 2026. That’s just under 100 years after Gaudi’s death.
Since its founding, the church has been funded by donations. During the time that the church was being constructed, the city’s economic and political conditions caused a delay. A revolution in 1936 damaged the building. In 2010, it was only half finished.
After 16 years of piecing together the fragments of the master model, restoration work began. In October 2015, 70% of the Sagrada Familia’s construction was completed.
Sagrada Familia is known for its unusual design and play of colors. It’s a work of art that’s been recognized and praised by many, including Walter Gropius and Alvar Aalto.
Gaudi’s work is open to interpretation. His architectural style is a blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau forms. As such, his work is difficult to understand. But Gaudi’s original drawings have enabled the building to be continued.
If you’re planning to visit Barcelona, consider staying at the Catalonia Sagrada Familia hotel. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel is a short walk from the basilica.
Construction timeline
The construction timeline of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, is a long one. The basilica is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took more than 140 years to build. In 2010, it was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI.
Construction of La Sagrada Familia began in 1882. Its design is inspired by neo-gothic cathedrals in Europe. A number of different architects took charge of the project. Francisco de Paula del Villar and Josep Maria Bocabella worked on the project. Their main goal was to create a church that would be like the basilica of Loreto.
The first mass was held in 1885. By the end of the Civil War, the building was only about half-complete. Franco showed little interest in the project. There were several mishaps and delays along the way.
After Gaudi’s death in 1926, a team of architects continued the construction. Domenec Sugranes was the project’s third architect. He oversaw the completion of the bell towers. The apse was also completed.
The first of the four spires was finished in 1933. The second spire, the Virgin Mary, is now under construction. Once completed, the building will reach a height of 564 feet.
In 2010, the Sagrada Familia was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI. Aside from the basilica, the church will also include the Mare de Deu tower. Until the end of 2026, La Sagrada will be funded by private donations and ticket sales.
The Sagrada Familia construction timeline has been revised many times. The latest estimates show that it will take four to six years to complete the interior. During this time, the sanctuary will be adorned to represent various concepts.
The Sagrada Familia is a popular tourist destination. Visitors are able to see the spectacular play of light. Tickets are available online. However, there may be a few days of waiting during the peak season.
Construction of La Sagrada Familia has been a long, challenging task. It is expected to be completed by the centennial of Gaudi’s death in 2026. But the delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic have pushed the timeline back, and there is no guarantee that the Sagrada will be completed by then.
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Famous queues
The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of the most famous and popular tourist sites in the city. It is a great place to visit and learn about its history. In fact, it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to see this magnificent building, you should book tickets in advance. There are two different ticket types that you can choose from.
You can buy tickets online before you arrive. Some sites even offer you the chance to download them on your smartphone. These tickets are worth paying a little more for. Besides, they allow you to skip the queue at the basilica.
You can also get a guided tour that includes access to the entrance without any wait. The guide will tell you all about the history of the building and its architectural style. At the end of the tour, you can ask any questions you have. This is an excellent way to avoid the queue.
Another option is to take a bus. Most of the bus stops are near each other. However, it is important to check the bus schedules. Many times, the bus will be full. Therefore, it is best to go to the next bus stop.
You can also purchase tickets at the box office. But the ticket lines can be very long during peak times. So, if you want to avoid the hassle, you should buy your tickets beforehand.
Aside from that, you should always pay attention to the entry times. For instance, if you want to see the Nativity Tower, you should visit the tower before noon. Otherwise, you will have to wait for hours.
Also, you should buy your tickets far in advance. Usually, you can buy them at least two months in advance. This will ensure that you have a choice of the best time to visit.
To avoid the hassle of navigating the crowds, you can buy your tickets online. Moreover, you will save money and time. With the help of an audio guide, you will be able to explore the cathedral at your own pace.
