La Sagrada Familia stands as the crowning jewel of Barcelona. You likely recognize its melting stone towers and massive size, but the building is actually a timeline of history itself. Construction began over 140 years ago, meaning it has taken longer to build than the Great Pyramids of Egypt. Furthermore, the architect Antoni Gaudí knew he would never see it finished. He famously said his client, meaning God, was not in a hurry. Consequently, this masterpiece remains a living, breathing project that evolves with every generation. Let’s explore the temple of light.
La Sagrada Familia
It has taken longer to build La Sagrada Familia than it took to build the Great Pyramids of Egypt. Builders placed the first stone in 1882, and work is still continuing today.
Antoni Gaudí was not the original architect of the project. He actually took over a year after construction began when the first designer resigned due to disagreements.
Anarchists burned Gaudí’s original plans during the Spanish Civil War. Modern architects now have to piece together his vision using the few plaster models that survived the fire.
You will not find any straight lines or sharp corners in the design. Gaudí believed that straight lines belonged to men, while curves belonged to God and nature.
The entire construction budget comes from private money. The project relies strictly on ticket sales and donations rather than taxes from the government.
It will become the tallest church in the world once it is finished. The central Tower of Jesus Christ will reach a massive height of 172.5 meters.
The interior columns are designed to look like massive trees. Gaudí split the columns near the top so they could support the roof just like branches in a forest.
A mysterious “magic square” on the Passion Façade always adds up to the number 33. This is significant because it represents the age of Jesus when he died.
Gaudí eventually moved into the church workshop to work closer to his masterpiece. He became so obsessed with the project that he neglected his own health and appearance.
People mistook the famous architect for a beggar when he died. A tram hit him, and bystanders did not recognize the genius because of his shabby, worn-out clothes.
You can visit Gaudí’s tomb inside the building he dedicated his life to. He is buried in the crypt on the underground level of the church.
The different sides of La Sagrada Familia tell completely different stories. The Nativity Façade shows the joy of birth, while the Passion Façade depicts the harsh pain of death.
Builders now use advanced technology to speed up the process. They use 3D printers and aeronautical software to cut stone much faster than manual carving.
The highest tower will remain slightly shorter than the nearby Montjuïc hill. Gaudí refused to build higher than the mountain because he did not want to outdo God’s creation.
The finished La Sagrada Familia will feature exactly 18 towers. These towers symbolize important biblical figures, including the Twelve Apostles, the Evangelists, Mary, and Jesus.
