Barcelona is famous for its historical landmarks and stunning mix of buildings with quirky architecture. In our article we want to talk about a brilliant architectural creation - the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. The amazing structure attracts tourists from all over the world with its bizarre shapes and reliefs, taking them to Biblical times.
Historical facts
The expiatory Sagrada Familia Cathedral has been under construction for over 150 years and is considered the most famous long-term construction. It's hard to believe, but that's the way it really is. In 2005, UNESCO even included this unique object in its lists of the heritage of mankind, which in itself speaks of the significance of the structure.
At one time, the idea of building a temple came from an ordinary bookseller from Barcelona, Josep Bocabella. In those distant times, he led the community of admirers of Joseph. In 1872, Bocabelli arrived in the town of Loreto, in which there was a house that, according to legend, served as the abode of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The bookseller was so captivated by the beauty of the temple that he decided to create a replica in his hometown.
The idea of such a construction eventually grew into a decision to build an unusual structure in the center of Barcelona. However, due to lack of funds, Bokabel managed to acquire land only on the outskirts of the city.
The Sagrada Familia, as our tourists often call it, was founded on March 19, 1882. In general, it is worth noting that the correct name of the building sounds a little different - the Sagrada Familia temple. The start of construction turned into an important event, which was attended by representatives of the clergy and city authorities. The architect of the Sagrada Familia was Francisco del Villar. It was he who proposed to build a temple in the neo-Gothic style, which was incredibly popular in that era. However, during the construction, the architect had disagreements with the performers, so he later stepped back from participating in the project.
Genius Gaudí
In 1883, the further construction of the Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona was headed by the famous Gaudi, who in turn made significant changes to the project and decided to erect a giant structure. According to his idea, stone columns like trees, covered arches and benches for parishioners will be built around the church.
According to the architect's plan, the Sagrada Familia Cathedral was supposed to receive up to 14 thousand parishioners at the same time. Since childhood, Antonio Gaudi had an extraordinary imagination, which made him very different from his comrades and peers. It seemed that the boy had some special connection with the world around him, he incredibly appreciated everything that was created by nature. Antonio could spend hours admiring the clouds andimagine that these are trees, fairy-tale characters or animals. Even dew drops in the grass and flowers aroused the interest and admiration of the young man. In his fantasies, he turned all the objects he saw into something extraordinary.
Despite the fact that Gaudí was reputed to be a supporter of experiments, in construction the subtlest flair never let him down. His creations were always beautiful and natural, and any unusual ideas met strict engineering rules. The architect used in his practice the latest ideas of that time, for which he can be safely called an innovator.
Such a difficult science as strength of materials was already known to Gaudi, and he actively used his knowledge.
Gaudi Plans
In order for the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona to look more majestic, Gaudi noted in his sketches that the height of the central tower of Christ should be a meter lower than Montjuic. The religious architect believed that the creation of human hands could not be higher than God's creation. According to the plans, the facades were supposed to be decorated with scenes on the theme of the birth and resurrection of Christ.
Gaudi was repeatedly reproached for the fact that the construction is too slow. To which the architect replied that his brainchild was in no hurry. Initially, it was assumed that the temple would be built on donations. However, Antonio was so obsessed with his project that he invested all his available funds into the construction. But even this money was not enough, we had to collect it from home.
But, unfortunately, in 1926 the life of a brilliant architect was cut short. At that time, Gaudi was 74 years old. From his project, he managed to bring to life only a part - to create one tower of the Sagrada Familia, the facade of the Nativity, crypts and apses. From 1954 to this day, construction continues.
Followers of Gaudí
In the nineties of the last century, a new architect, Subirax, took up the temple. He set about creating a facade called the Passion of Christ. An interesting fact is that the new architect was a real atheist, in contrast to the deeply religious Gaudí. When Subirax received such a tempting offer to make sculptures for the decoration of facades, he spent a year studying the work of Gaudí. And only in 1987 he set to work. Subirax is currently working with several other architects on the naves, patio and choir stalls of the Sagrada Familia. Absolutely the entire decor of the building contains Christian symbols. Looking through the elements of the building, one gets the impression that one is flipping through the pages of the Bible.
A total of eighteen towers are planned. All of them will be at different heights. The Tower of Christ is the tallest, with a cross on its spire. The tower of the Virgin Mary will have a slightly smaller size. The next four will symbolize the evangelists. Also, twelve bell towers are planned in the temple, which personify the number of apostles.
Despite the fact that the Sagrada Familia is not finished inside,as well as outside, in 2000 it was already consecrated by Pope Benedict the sixteenth. The temple is officially recognized as fit for church services.
Christmas Facade
The facade of the Nativity was built by Gaudi himself, through which visitors enter the temple. Initially, a building was erected, which was divided into three entrances to the inner halls. It is equipped with four bell towers with high spiers in honor of the holy apostles Jude, Barnabas, Simon and Matthew. The open, lightweight structure of the towers was built with the sound of the bells in mind, which is why they look like blinds.
Facade of Glory
The Facade of Glory overlooks Calle Mallorca. Its themes are related to the fall and virtue. The building looks towards the coast, so it is under the sun's rays throughout the day. Even this has a deep meaning, since Glory is the light that brings joy and spiritual happiness. The construction of this part of the temple complex began recently. But there are already clear plans and storylines that will showcase biblical stories.
Passion Facade
But the facade of the Passion was conceived by the brilliant Gaudi, who wanted to depict on it pictures showing the last days of Christ's life. All the sculptures are made so masterfully that they involuntarily attract people's attention.
The gates of the Passion façade are also unusually made. A fragment of a text from the Gospel is carved on bronze, in which there is a story about the earthly life of the Son of God.
Monastery
The monastery, according to the plan, shouldwill be located outside the temple, framing it with a ring, which will be interrupted only in the area of the gate and apse. The structure should serve as a kind of protection from street noise and bustle.
Apse
Between the facades of the Nativity and the Passion is the Apse. It was built one of the first, so it is made in the Gothic style. The apse is dedicated to the veneration of the memory of the Mother of God. Its front part is still under construction. Many figures and elements have already been completed, but there is still much to be done. So, for example, it is planned to erect statues inside, personifying the founders of a religious order. And at the very top, the dome of St. Mary should be built, which will be crowned with a star.
Interior
Custom seen Gaudi and the inside of the temple. To distribute the load on numerous arches and columns, he decided to use tree columns. Such an ingenious idea gave beauty to the interior of the temple.
The construction of the cathedral inside continues to this day, but still visitors have the opportunity to purchase tickets to the Sagrada Familia and visit this amazing place, because there is something to see. Inside the building, a special atmosphere is generally felt, which is partly achieved by the play of light. The fact is that Gaudi himself believed that the bright lighting of the interior could disrupt the harmony of the decor and not create an atmosphere of peace of mind. Therefore, the light in the building penetrates through the colored glass windows, which creates a special mood.
Already now everythingthose who wish can take the elevator to the bell towers, which are interconnected by bridges. And in the basement of the building there is a museum where you can learn about all the stages of construction.
Museum
After the work on the crypt was completed, the museum was opened in 1961. It is still open to visitors. In it you can see unusual exhibits, such as the original drawings and drawings of Antonio Gaudi, which are stored in special rooms with low lighting to maximize the protection of the paper from external influences.
In addition, in the museum you can look at photographs that depict all stages of construction, there are even photos with Gaudí themselves.
On the shelves of the museum are collected different models of the architectural elements of the temple and other unusual exhibits dedicated to all stages of design and construction of the Expiatory Church dedicated to the Holy Family. Also here you can see many reproductions of the creations of Gaudí, who loved Catalonia very much and rarely traveled outside of it.
How to get to the Sagrada Familia?
Tourists who decide to see the temple will be interested to know what transport can be used to get to their destination. The most convenient way is to use the metro. You need to get off at the Sagrada Familia station (5th and 2nd line). In addition, shuttle buses 19, 43, 34, 50 go to the temple. Do not forget about the City Tower and Bus Tourist buses, which run on special routes covering the most interesting places in Barcelona.
Address of the Sagrada Familia: Barcelona City, Mallorca.
Experts make a variety of predictions regarding the completion of construction. According to the plan, the temple should be completely completed in ten years. The extraordinary acoustics, which was thought out by Gaudí himself, will allow gathering 2,500 choristers in the temple to perform a solemn liturgy to the accompaniment of several organs. The temple should become one of the most grandiose creations in world architecture.
Tickets
Despite the fact that the temple is not yet fully completed, it can already be visited. Tickets for the Sagrada Familia can be bought at the box office near the cathedral. Their cost varies between 15-29 euros, and for children, tickets will cost a little less (15 euros ticket without a guide; if you plan to climb the tower, you will have to pay 22 euros without a guide and 29 euros with a guide).
The temple is already incredibly popular. During the tourist season, a large number of people gather near the ticket offices. Experienced tourists recommend purchasing tickets with a Russian audio guide so that you can learn the history of the construction of the greatest temple. The cathedral has its own website, where you can also book a tour. But unfortunately, the resource is not equipped with Russian navigation.
Reviews of tourists about visiting the temple
Rave reviews of the Sagrada Familia give reason to recommend the temple for a visit. A unique monumental structure worthy of seeing. Many even consider the cathedral to be the main attraction of Barcelona. Of course, the capital of Catalonia alreadyfull of interesting places, but the Sagrada Familia is something special and unique. Tourists note that inside the temple is stunningly beautiful. It seems that you are in the garden, among the trees, because the columns are made in the form of plants. The cathedral has a very special lighting thanks to the numerous colored stained glass windows. In the inner part of the temple, you are not overwhelmed by painful feelings, which is typical of many buildings of this kind. A large amount of sunlight makes the interior space incredibly beautiful. Still, Gaudi managed to achieve his plan.
From the outside it is worth admiring the facades of the building. So far, only two of them are ready. According to tourists, it is clearly visible which of them was made by a great master. Although modern construction is carried out in the same vein as in the days of Gaudí, the difference between the hand of a genius and the masters of our time is visible to the naked eye.
You will probably not see such splendor anywhere else, so the temple is definitely worth a visit. But only tourists recommend buying tickets online in advance, otherwise you will have to stand in a very long line.
