La Sagrada Família, A Masterpiece of Artistic Architecture

Carrer de Mallorca 401

Barcelona's proudest architecture

4.8

Introduction

The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia is an iconic landmark of Barcelona, inspired by elements of nature such as caves, mountains, flowers and animals. Construction of the Basilica began in 1882, with the 31-year-old Gaudi taking over the design. The facade depicts the birth, passion and glory of Jesus, with the passion facade conveying his anguish and suffering. The interior of the church is made up of curves and surfaces, composed of variations of spirals, cones, and parabolas, presenting a rhythmic and dynamic architectural style. All of the columns and stone walls resemble tree trunks, branches and knots. The main body of the church is Gothic in style, but exhibits a "Gaudí-style". The observation deck at the top of the church provides a panoramic view of Barcelona, and the 170-meter-high Tower of Jesus is the tallest building in Barcelona, with eight finished spires reaching towards the sky. Due to a lack of funds, the Basilica is still unfinished, with scaffolding covering the top of the tower. It is said that the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia will be completed in 2026. Gaudi rests in the underground mausoleum of the Basilica he designed but was never able to see finished, waiting for the day when this great project is completed.