Sagrada Familia

Definitely the most unconventional church I have ever seen, a half day was spent in Barcelona touring Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, the church where he poured out his creative efforts during his final days. The church is crammed with symbolism inspired by nature and was his most, albeit unfinished, prestigious work. In 1883, after work had begun on a Neo-Gothic church on the same site, Gaudi was given the task of completing the church; instead of completing the church, he changed everything about the design, resulting in constant improvisation. Today's structure exhibits the Modernisme style he was such a proponent of.



When public money for the project ran out, Gaudi went from door to door begging for more funding. He was so devoted to the project that he lived as a recluse on the building site for the last 14 years of his year before being struck down and killed by a tram. His funeral service was held at the Sagrada Familia and he is buried in the church's crypt. At his death, only one tower on the Nativity facade had been completed, but work resumed after the Spanish Civil War. Still unfinished, work continues to today financed by public donations.





Gaudi's initial plans have been kept over the years but new technologies have allowed this vision to be achieved a bit more quickly...if you can say over 120 years is quick...that is medieval church construction pace if you ask me. Still to come is the central tower, which is the be encircled by four large towers representing the evangelists. Four towers on the the Glory (south) facade will match the existing four on the Passion (west) and Nativity (east) facades. The bell towers, of which 8 of the 12 have been completed, one for each apostle, are topped with Venetian mosaics.



An exhibit shows the technology used for the towers of La Sagrada Famillia.



The Passion facade, which is currently above the temporary entrance was completed between 1986 and 2000 by a local artist. The sculptures are quite angular and apparently did not met with the approval of all.















The Nativity Facade, was finished according to Gaudi's personal instructions before his death; thus, looking a bit more subdued than the Nativity Facade.







The nave, which us still under construction, is a forest of pillars supporting the four galleries above the sides. Natural skylights are used to light the structure but much stain glass is used in other parts of the building.























This former schoolhouse at La Sagrada Familia was used to educate the children of the craftsmen and workers who worked on the church. Gaudi's architectural influence is reflected even in this structure.

Modernisme and Gaudi

Towards the end of the 19th century, a new style of art and architecture was born in Barcelona. Modernisme, a variant of Art nouveau, was embraced by many artists and architects. Common characteristics of this architectural design include:

all aspects on interior and exterior decoration and design follow the art form
use of parabolic arches in decorative and structural elements
elaborate use of wrought iron
organic forms inspire; use of animals and plants in the decorative elements
dramatic cupolas
curved lines

Born in Reus, Antoni Gaudi was the leading proponent of Catalan Modernisme. With highly original work, he went on to create some of the finest buildings, homes, parks, and churches in Barcelona. His most celebrated work, the church of the Sagrada Familia (upcoming post), was his life’s passion from 1914 to his death in 1926, when he was killed by a tram.

We devoted one entire day in BCN to a tour of Gaudi’s buildings (see below). Many buildings are not open to the public, but several of them are including Casa Mila, Casa Batilo, and of course, Sagrada Familia. More on these three structures later.

Bari Gotic

BCN’s Gothic Quarter is the true heart of Barcelona. The oldest part of the city, it was the site chosen by the Romans during the Reign of Augustus (27 BC – AD 14) on which to found the new town. Since that time, it has been the location of the city’s administration buildings as well as the Barcelona Cathedral and the royal palace, Palau de la Generalitat, the site where Columbus was received by Ferdinand and Isabel on his return from the New World in 1492.

Barcelona Cathedral - this gothic cathedral was begun in the 12th century, and is still under construction and/or restoration today. The main facade was not completed till 1898 - today it is covered for renovation (first phot below). The backside of the cathedral contains the romansque elements from earlier periods. Photos of the cloisters are also included along with a fountain and statue of St. George.















Interior of Barcelona Cathedral - interior photos of the nave, choir stalls, crypt, and the Cappella de Sant Benet, the chapel dedicated to the founder of the Benedictine Order and patron saint of Europe.























Scenes in and about the Gothic Quarter.























Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar - the only example of a chuch built entireley in the Catalan Gothic architecture. It took just 55 years to complete, which is unrivaled in the Middle Ages.