Sagrada Familia
401 C/ de Mallorca Barcelona
The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, shortened as the Sagrada Família, is an under construction church in the Eixample district of Barcelona. It is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. It is Gaudí's masterpiece and the ultimate representation of Catalan modernist architecture. It is the most visited monument in Spain and the most visited church in Europe after St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. When completed, it will be the tallest Christian church in the world, standing at 172.5 meters in height.
The construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882 under the direction of the architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. However, Gaudí took over the project in 1883 and completely redesigned it, incorporating his unique and radical vision. Gaudí worked on the project until his death in 1926.
The Sagrada Familia is an impressive example of Gaudí's architectural style, characterized by the combination of Gothic and modernist elements, as well as the extensive use of organic forms inspired by nature. The basilica is filled with religious details and symbolism in its design.
Despite being under construction for over a century, the Sagrada Familia is still not completed. Construction has been interrupted on several occasions due to conflicts, including the Spanish Civil War. Although much progress has been made since Gaudí's death, the basilica is still a work in progress, and it is expected to be completed in the coming decades.
It features three facades dedicated to the Nativity, Passion, and Glory of Jesus, and when finished, it will have eighteen towers: four on each portal, totaling twelve for the apostles; four over the transept, invoking the evangelists; one over the apse, dedicated to the Virgin; and the central spire tower, in honor of Jesus.
Nativity façade 1899
Nativity façade 1920
Sagrada Familia 1960