Side B: Sagrada Familia

Antoni Gaudi’s last project was one, which he devoted the remainder of his life to - Sagrada Familia. While the project was not originally commissioned to Guadi, a year after construction commenced in 1882, the entire project was handed over to Guadi- who decided to change everything. Upon his untimely and unfortunate death (he died of injuries sustained from being hit by a trolley car), only one tower in the Nativity façade was completed.

Originally I was under the impression that Guadi had not left any documentation for which others could proceed with; however since his death additional towers of the Nativity façade have been completed based on his designs (and as you’ll see by the cranes in pictures, construction is on going).

Before I get to the pictures – I did not get an audio-tour with this one so I’m getting some additional facts on this one from books and what I could get from the placards placed throughout the site. It cost 13 euros to see both the basilica and the tower – payable only in cash! Do not do what I did, assume it being a massive tourist attraction that they accept credit cards; it’s a tough lesson learned after waiting 45 minutes in line to get in. My opinion on whether or not you need to see the inside is indifferent. If you ever visit and you want to pay to go in, the views are pretty from the tower and the basilica is gorgeous with all the stained glass windows. Disclaimer – I’ve been to many cathedrals all around the world and this one, while beautiful felt more like a contemporary art exhibit than a church. Again – your call.

Oh and Patty Myers – I’m expecting with your catholic up bringing to correct and/or fill in the missing pieces!

The outside of the church is essentially a visual depiction of the bible with one façade representing the Nativity, another the Passion.

These types of placards/information stands are located along the suggested route with little nuggets of information so you know what you’re looking at. I of course went in the exact OPPOSITE direction so things may be a bit out of sorts or descriptions of the wrong things. I’ll do my best not to let this happen…..

As illustrated here, there were three working models for this church; the third being the version they are working with today.

Following are sketches of designs to be modeled and ultimately constructed

Here is the room where they make models prior to construction.

Placard #2 - The Temple

Per this placard, the church or Temple, will have a capacity of 8,000 people and an interior surface of 4,500 square meters.

Placard #3 - the Passion Façade

Following are pictures of the Passion – which depicts the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. As described on the Passion, the façade goes through the 12 parts of the Passion starting with the last supper taking place in the lower left hand corner, moving right to the trial of Jesus, then up (toward the left) to the crucifixion and ending with the ascension (top, middle).

Placard #4 - stained glass and lighting

As I mentioned earlier, the stained glass windows in the basilica are gorgeous and as it’s unbelievably sunny here (it seems every day) the light shines throughout the entire church. It really is amazing.

Placard #5 – ground plan and columns

The columns are supposedly different dimensions/height to give the feeling of a forest. To be honest, it’s not until right now while writing this blog and reviewing the pictures I’d taken, did I notice this. Very interesting.

Placard #6 – Glory Façade and Paternoster

If you look two lines above and to the left of the "A" you'll see "give us this day our daily bread" in English. Apparently this reflects this line in 50 different languages with the largest version of the full version of our Father's prayer in Catalan, down the center of the door.

I originally thought the doors below belonged to Placard #6 but I've since learned other wise and here's what these doors are:

The wording reflects (as per the gospels) the last days of Jesus' life.

Placard #7 – Vaults and choir galleries

Lighting (both sky and windows) were build intentionally to draw light in. Gaudi also strategically placed galleries that would allow for excellent acoustics for 1,000 choir singers.

Placard #8 – Apse and ambulatory

Placard #9 – Nativity Façade

A close up of the pillars outside the doors, below the Nativity Façade show turtles at the base, which I thought was pretty interesting.

Placard # 10- Towers

Per this placard, there are 18 towers, 12 towers, and 6 higher towers striving to symbolize an approach between heaven and earth.

Here are a few close up shots and then a view, off in the distance from Montjuïc (more on that later). You’ll have to zoom in but as the picture shows – you can see Sagrada Familia from almost everywhere.

Placard #11

Unfortunately the lighting in the room did not allow for a clear picture of the 11th placard however it is the Claustre de la Mare de Deu del Roser. One of four clusters (and the only completed one currently) where the Familia Sagrada could go and pray away from the main basilica.

Placard #12 – Museum

The museum houses reconstructed wood and metal works, originals for which were lost in a fire. Above is the outside of the museum (and gift shop) and below, reconstructed items.