Sagrada Familia

In past visits we had seen the outside of the Holy Family Church, so this time we decided to venture inside.  The church was begun in 1882, but the real effort began in 1883 when Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi took over the project in 1883 and transformed it into a combination of Gothic and Art Noveau.  On his death in 1926, the project was less than a quarter done.  Construction was disrupted by the Spanish Civil War, and when partisans burned it in 1936, the original plans were lost. His friend continued the project, and subsequent architects have pieced together much of his plans and are trying to apply modern techniques while keeping to his original ideas.

It is being built relying entirely on donations, so it progressed slowly.  Designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and high levels of tourism in Barcelona have helped, and, by the time Pope Benedict consecrated it as a basilica in 2010 the project was 50% complete.  They are hoping to complete it by the centenary of Gaudi's death.

The outside is fascinating.  Eight towers are complete, and work is underway on the final five (the concept is a tower for each apostle + the tallest tower for the Holy Family).  The two facades are very different in style - the nativity façade was completed by Gaudi; a local sculptor, Josep Suribachs, completed the passion façade using a more modern style.

over the door, Nativity façade (Gaudi)



the Passion façade (Suribachs)

The first impression as you walk in is how bright and colorful the place is.  Stained glass windows let light in from every direction.  We were there at two o'clock, so the strong afternoon sun was pouring though the red west windows. 

looking toward the altar

light playing among the columns

Up around the altar are a series of alcoves.  Some are being used for A/V presentations about Gaudi, calling him "God's Architect."  Others are places for confession, prayers and contemplation.




provided in four languages -
Catalan, Spanish, English & French



alcove, with confessional

The interior was designed by Gaudi to be like being in a forest.  The columns are the trunks of the trees, and the decorations on the ceiling are like leaves.  It's an amazing effect.  The pictures don't do the place justice.

We had looked into going to mass there, and found out that they only use the church a couple of times a month... and you have to request tickets through the Bishop of Barcelona's offices at the old cathedral.  (It is sad to have such a beautiful church and use it so little.)  



The Lord's Prayer in Catalan. This sculpture is by the Eucharistic entrance.