One of the most famous buildings in the world is simply a 4-minute walk away. La Sagrada Família is an architectural phenomenon and what makes it even more iconic, is the fact that the building has yet to be completed! This famous basilica has been in construction for over 140 years.
It was an honor to get the chance to visit the temple during its construction. It made one feel like they were a part of the building process. This temple is built based off donations. The more donations given, the more can be done to complete it based off of architect Antoni Gaudí’s instructions. Many of the funding comes from tourist entrance fees. However, during the pandemic years, construction had to come to a pause due to the lack of tourists to help with funding.
Origin
The project was originally pitched by Francisco De Paula Del Villar in 1882. He applied many types of neo-Gothic features to it such as the pointed windows, exterior arches and a sharp bell tower. Cost of material led them to stray from the traditional architect and elect a new one, Antoni Gaudí. He completely gave the building a new direction and vision. Although this began in the 1800s, Gaudí really structured it to make it a church fit for the future.
The tour cost can be pricey but again, the money helps the construction of the building to continue. Not only that, but the experience alone is completely worth it. If looking at the outside of the building was not breathtaking enough, the inside is an even more spectacular site. The navigation through this unique building all begins with the La Sagrada Família app which is accessible with your ticket number.
Navigating La Sagrada Família
La Sagrada Família app does a great job enhancing your time at the temple. In the beginning of the app guided tour, you are taken to a prototype of what the basilica will look like once it’s finished.
It’s amazing to witness how far they have already come and once a few more towers and figures are completed, the entire building will be finished.
About 4 of the tour spots begin outside, explaining the details around the temporary entryway. We later learn that Gaudí wishes the entryway to be a door in the back once it finishes. This door is known as the Great Gateway door which required 20 years to be built. On this door, the lord's prayer is translated in 40 different languages.
Outside Details
The Nativity Façade is the first place you are directed to on the tour. The façade is divided into three triangular portals with each of them being dedicated to the Holy Family. Out of all of them, this one was the only one Gaudí was able to see completed in his lifetime.
The nativity scene features iconic moments in history such as the Birth of Jesus. This of course is where the façade gets its name. A tour guide at the basilica by the name of Valeria, described this façade as her favorite. “Seeing Jesus, Mary and Joseph together in such a realistic way makes this an amazing sculpture.” The details of all the outside sculptures are insanely realistic.
More outside images show the early stages of Jesus’ life. We witness Mary riding a donkey with Jesus in her arms. This represents the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt. We also get to witness Jesus as a young man helping his father with a carpentry project.
We find out through our virtual tour that the realistic figures and scenarios we are witnessing is not just talent, but completely intentional by Gaudí. In order to achieve some of this detail, he used live models. These included people from his neighborhood and sometimes even members of his own team. He created plaster molds which he later used to create stone models.
You currently enter through Nativity Doors until the temple is complete. Then the entrance will be through the Great Gateway door like Gaudí intended. A common theme throughout Gaudí’s work is his incorporation of the sea. Spotted outside the basilica are turtles. The entrance door gives off a glow and shine and the colors remind you of the sea. If you look closer at the door, ivy leaves and different types of insects can be seen. Beautiful flowers are also spotted throughout the doors.
Exploring Inside
The inside of La Sagrada Família is an experience every person should have the chance to do in their lifetime. The ceilings seem to reach the sky and though many people can be seen inside, empty pockets can still be seen throughout. Crisp air and beautiful columns greet you, many made with different materials.
The different colored stained-glass windows fill up the inside. Depending on where you are standing, the colors of the windows change, which also changes the mood.
Once inside, you are greeted with what Gaudí called, The Forest. The entire interior was designed as if it were a huge forest. The columns take on the shape of trees, spreading and branching out to the ceiling. Instead of placing columns just for aesthetic reasons, they are actually used to support the vaulted ceiling. This allows the building as a whole to reach a very steep height.
While exploring, it was difficult to take your eyes off of the stained-glass windows. Wherever you go, light is let in through these windows and change based on the type of façade. Another tour guide by the name of José was able to give more details about these windows. “They were created by an artist name Joan Vila-Grau.” Vila-Grau specifically followed Gaudí’s guidelines when creating these. “Staring at the different windows is my favorite part of the tour.” José went on after taking a brief moment to expand on this marvelous part of the basilica.
What was amazing to witness was people from all around the world taking time to sit and meditate. Signs are placed in the center of the interior encouraging people to take quiet time to sit, think and meditate. Some take this time to truly take in their surroundings. Others can be found praying quietly in such a beautiful and holy place.
Observing an architectural masterpiece was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was so amazing to take in all of La Sagrada Família’s features even when it is not fully completed yet. It would be amazing to return once it is finished and experience its glory all over again.
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