Sagrada Familia

It's a surprising, singular and spectacular monument, where Gaudí makes a naturalist exercise of unthinkable beauty.

Works on the Sagrada Familia carry on. Picture Guiarte.

Disgracefully, his continuers are not at the level of Gaudí's dreams, so the set is probably much less harmonious and enchanting. Anyway, there is magnificence in the place.

The church was Gaudi's work and life centre, he spent inside it 16 years. Now he is buried underneath it.

Gaudí started working here in 1883.

Detail of the Nativity façade. Picture Guiarte.

He designed the beautiful Nativity façade where the birth of Christ and the theological virtues are represented, with its beautiful towers decorated with mosaics, and with profusion of white pigeons.

The other façade was ended in 1980 by José María Subirats, and it's referred to Christ's passion. Its dramatic, "mechanized" figures contrast Gaudí's style.

The crypt has an old museum, where Gaudí is buried.

There's a lot to do until the project is ended. It has as many towers as Envangelists and Apostles, and a central one, bigger than the rest, dedicated to Virgin Mary. The Sagrada Familia is a determination of the city of Barcelona, and some day it'll be ended.

Next: La Pedrera

Previous: Carrer Montcada

What to see in Barcelona

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