Barcelona’s Basílica de la Sagrada Família

Basilica de la Sagrada Famila…I’ve never seen anything like this in my life and I’m not sure I’ll ever see something like this again.

I came up from the subway and said, well….where is this Basilica and then I noticed all the people in front of my looking over my shoulder.  I turned and was in AWE!!  Completely ASTOUNDED!!!

  The only disappointment for me was that I don’t believe my pics capture the magnificence…

Here’s a bit about this Basilica….oh, by the way, this is considered a ‘Minor’ Basilica.  And it doesn’t have anything to do with it’s size.  It’s a Pope thing.

The construction began in 1882 under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar and he resigned the following year. That’s when Antoni Gaudi took over as chief architect and engineer for what would be or seem to be an endless project.  Gaudi’s genius is astounding!  He was hands on a daily basis and went so far as to sleep in the facility as it was being constructed.  Gaudi combined Gothic and Art Nouveau structure that confounded many during his time. It had to do with a vision.



Gaudi’s vision was so refined and precise that he would stand on the floor explaining to workers what it would look like and how they were to do it down to the most minute detail.

By Catholic Law it doesn’t qualify as a Cathedral….

Needless to say that Gaudi never saw his masterpiece to the finish as it is still under construction til this day according to his design.  Gaudi died of an accident at age 73 in 1926 crossing a street, he was hit by a street car. Gaudi is buried in a crypt under the main floor of the Basilica.

  Here’s a model of what the finished project will look like.  It is projected that the Basilica will be completed by 2026 (hopefully).  One reason for the hastening of it’s completion is it was halted in 1936 amidst the tumult of the Spanish Civil War.

Modern technology with 3D printing is being used to grasp the enourmity of this project, which by the way is funded solely thru donations.

  Just a quick look inside….more coming.



This information I had to cull from the Basilica’s website because it’s so much and so important;

The design will be completed with four domed structures, some as much as 40 Metres high, sited at each corner: two sacristies (rooms attached to a church or chapel where the sacred vessels, vestments, etc, are kept and where priests attire themselves) on the northern side; and on the southern side the baptistery and the chapel of the Holy Sacrament and Penitence. These four constructions and the three facades will be linked by a wide, covered corridor, with a double wall, which will insulate the central part from noise from the street, allowing circulation from one building to another without the need to cross the main area.

Gaudí’s plan was for a group of 18 towers: 12 shorter ones on the facades (bell towers which will be 100 metres high, representing the Apostles), and six taller ones in the centre in a pyramidal layout reflecting the hierarchy of their symbolism. Of these, the tallest will be the one above the central crossing, representing Jesus Christ, reaching 172.5 metres in height. It will be surrounded by four, slimmer, 135-metre-high towers representing the four Evangelists and their Gospels.  Another further Tower will cover the apse and will represent the Virgin Mary..

Can’t be bigger than God’s creation…

Gaudí wanted to construct a building that would make an impact on the skyline, but also show his respect for the work of God which is his creation the Earth, which in Gaudi’s opinion should never be superseded by man: at 172.5 metres tall, the Sagrada Familia is one of the tallest religious buildings in the world but remains a few metres below the height of Montjuïc – the highest point in the municipality of Barcelona.

  The backside of the pipe organ.



One of the frustrating photography things for me was, and I came with multiple lenses, that it’s so darn enourmous! And so many people that I couldn’t take in the fullness, wholeness of most any aspect of the Basilica.  Parts of the Basilica were blocked off due to construction and I couldn’t get the range I needed for a particular shot. Along with the crowd, but I did give it my best.  I’ll have some photos on this site and a dedicated photo site a bit later on.

The columns mentioned afore are made from different stones with the 4 center ones having a reddish tint. Remarkable!

  Should you decide to visit, the best thing to do is to buy your tickets on line.  You just can’t show up, buy your ticket and walk in. Nope.  They let people in on a schedule basis throughout the day.  The on-line site will let you know what’s available.  This will save a lot of disappointment.

Not pictured here…..at least I don’t think I have any but maybe one, is an elevator.  There’s many elevators to get to different levels of the different towers, but once again they are not available to the public.



Here’s a few more shots…

Remeber that I wrote that Gaudi was buried in the crypt below? One of the better shots.  You don’t see his tomb and it is unaccessible at this time to the general public.  I believe there is a larger tour package that can be bought but it was not doable on my time schedule.  Barcelona is another place I’d love to spend more intimate time in.

Reviewing these photos, I’d never seen and don’t think I will see again…

Here are some of the relics from the past on display.   

And here’s an active confessional ready, willing and able. 

A little more of the color of the Basilica…

I’m going to have to come back.  I’ll get some different lenses for my cameras and book a grander tour…but, this in no doubt, is the most magnificient site and experience I’ve experienced!!!  And you know I love the Caribbean!!!



We’re gonna tidy up this visit to Barcelona on the visit after the next…..I have a blog from Madrid that I forgot to show that I promised 2 people I’d do.

Peace, love, and beaches,

John

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