The Masterpiece of Gaudi

My time in Spain was definitely highlighted by my visit to The Sagrada Familia. In Catalan, the official name is Temple Expiatori de la

Sagrada Família. After getting off the metro line 2, I was astounded by how large and outstanding the church is. Sitting a little outside the city center and somewhat near Guell Park, La Sagrada Familia is definitely a site to see and one of the very symbolic of Barcelona. I was very impressed by the construction and amazed the unique architecture. Of course, the church was densely populated by tourists and there were lines to get into church and up the tower; but it was definitely worth the twelve Euros and wait. La Sagrada Familia is a great representation of a symbolic monument of Barcelona, Gothic example of Gaudi architecture and distinctive of Catalan nationalism.

La Sagrada Familia was designed by Antoni Gaudi and is one of his most impressive and important masterpieces. The construction was started in 1882 and will continue until 2026. La Sagrada Familia is an improved Gaudi interpretation of Gothic architecture. On either sides of the church, there are four massive pillars that are tree- truck like. The whole structure looks as if dark brown stone was dripped. Between the two tallest pillars is a massive doorway surrounded the nativity scene and saints. This part of the church is called the “nativity façade.” On the reverse, by the entrance, a lighter stone was used and looks a little cleaner. The entry way looks like spider web and was almost unexpected. This area is called the “passion façade.” This side is adorned with all types of figures. The cranes and construction interrupt the view, at any perspective. I found it amazing how many tourists flock to this unfinished church, but as you read in any guide book this is the first attraction listed. This church and other Gaudi architecture scattered through Barcelona are part of the reasons why so many tourists flock to the Cataluña region. It seems as if many Catalans are very impressed and take pride in this great structure. As we were on our way back to Barcelona from Madrid, the born and raised Catalan man sitting next to us told us we had to go admire Gaudi’s architecture around the city. He said he loves visiting Gaudi’s work and Catalans have a lot of honor and nationalism for it. This website has a lot more information on Gaudi and the history and construction of the Sagrada Familia: http://www.sagradafamilia.cat/sf-eng/index.php.

On entering into the church, surrounded by hundreds of people, the first thing you see are big orange construction cranes. It is light, airy and ornate and it almost seems hard to believe that I was in an actual church since the atmosphere did not allude to it. My favorite part inside the church was the gorgeous bright, clear stained glass. I had never seen such bright and pretty rainbow colors, much clearer than the older churches I have visited in Europe. Stone pillars are scattered everywhere throughout the church that lead your eye up to the ceiling that looks as if there are tree canopies above you. There are many Roman Catholic symbols and scenes of Jesus and Mary all around the church. This is a significant part of the Catholic religion dominating in Spain.

I am so glad that I got to see this symbolic structure in Barcelona; you cannot go to any souvenir shop and not see a picture of The Sagrada Familia on a postcard or as miniature statue. This definitely highlights the importance the presence of Gaudi had in the city of Barcelona. The experience of being there made my Barcelona trip complete. I was so amazed by this fabulous Gaudi structure tat I would love to come back in 2026 and see the finished construction.

Here is a link to a map of the location of La Sagrada Familia: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/maps/attractions/gaudi-sagrada-familia.html.