The Sagrada Familia has a rich history which spans several decades.
From Gaudi's idea to the years of construction, I tell you all about the history of the Sagrada Familia.
History of the Sagrada Familia: article summary
The great story of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia
The start of construction of the Sagrada Familia dates back to 1877 when a congregation of St. Joseph's faithful decided to build a temple in his honor.
Legendary architect Antoni Gaudí didn't get involved in the church's development until 1883, and the first project for La Sagrada Familia was designed in the Gothic style by architect Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano.
Don Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano soon abandoned the project, and in 1884. Gaudíwho is only 31, becomes director.
The architect modified Lozano's original plans for a neo-Gothic church and began designing the building. This made him the master of Catalan modernism and changed Barcelona's skyline forever.
Gaudi devoted all his final years to building La Sagrada Familia, working exclusively for the Temple of Atonement day and night.
He died suddenly in 1926. After Gaudí's death, Domènec Sugrañes, one of his closest collaborators, took over the project.
Centuries of construction
The architect was aware that the construction of the Sagrada Familia would take centuries, and that it would not be completed in his lifetime. He left detailed plans for the most important parts of the basilica, the central nave, sacristy and façade, to guide the completion of the building.
Gaudí also chose to focus on the façade of the church, so that people could enjoy a form of completion and feel inspired by this magnificent monument.
A basilica still unfinished
The Sagrada Familia remains unfinished to this day. It is estimated that current construction represents only 70 % of the final design. In reality, the project should only be completed for the centenary of architect Antoni Gaudí's death in 2026.
The basilica is an expiatory temple, which means that the cost of the work is paid for by voluntary donations. After the Second World War, and during the 1960s, Spain suffered a period of misery that seriously affected donations, making construction even more time-consuming.
The history of the Sagrada Familia through its architecture
The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família is a true architectural dream. It is even considered one of the world's most astonishing buildings.
The Basilica's architectural grandeur lies in Gaudí's desire to transform the building into a "place of worship". an ambitious proposal for the church of the future. When the architect took over the project in 1883, he retained the cross-shaped plan of Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano, typical of Gothic cathedrals, but departed from the Gothic style in several ways.
Divided into five naves, the layout of the Sagrada Familia resembles a Latin cross of massive dimensions. The interior of the church has also been designed to resemble a huge forest, with sloping columns. depicting tree trunks branching out from the capitals to the vaults.
Gaudi's changes of plan
Gaudí also decided to reverse the balance of light often seen in Gothic cathedrals by creating maximum contrast with the stained glass windows. He placed the most transparent glass on top to illuminate the vaults, which are adorned with ceramic tiles and flecks of shimmering gold and whose light diminishes as it descends. This gives the cathedral a transcendent atmosphere and a sense of spiritual peace.
Gaudí also decided to integrate religious symbolism into every aspect of the church. He designed three monumental facades that create a visual representation of Christian beliefs:
- the façade of the Glory
- the façade of the Nativity
- the façade of the Passion
Where is the church?
The famous church is located in a corner of theEixample not far from Gràcia. Visitors staying close to the city center can easily get there by public transport. You can take :
- Subway on the lines L5 and L2 and get off at Sagrada Familia station
- Bus thanks to lines 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50, 51, B20 and B24
The history of the Sagrada Familia is inseparable from the monument itself. Built over several centuries, we'll soon be able to see the completion and inauguration of this magnificent church.
Leave a Reply