La Sagrada Familia Basilica by Antoni
Gaudi
Planning
your trip to Barcelona? When you visit this Spanish city, you will see a number
of works designed by the famous architect, Antoni Gaudi. It is a giant basilica
that has been under construction since 1882. Today, the construction of this
church continues and is expected to be completed around 2030. When the project is completed, it will be the
world’s tallest temple. Sagrada Familia is considered the most visited monument
throughout Spain and it has become Barcelona’s most important landmark. Before
you set off to this remarkable landmark in Barcelona, let us share with you
some interesting information about Sagrada Familia!
The exact name of the
church is the Temple La Sagrada Familia. Temple refers to the fact that it was
built completely by donations.
When you visit the
building, you will notice the contrast in the stone colour between the front
and back part of building. Also, the actual style of construction appears
somewhat different between the new and old parts of the building.
3. Towers:
Whilst it is well known that the
basilica is still under construction according to Gaudi’s last full detailed
plans of the building, there will eventually be 18 towers. Eight have been
constructed so far and the rest of it is expected to be completed by 2030. Upon
completion of the church, among the 18 towers: one for each of the 12 apostles,
one for each of the 4 evangelists, one representing the Virgin Mary and the
highest tower in honour of Jesus Christ.
4.
Straight Lines:
They are not straight lines or angles in the
Sagrada Familia. Gaudi was inspired by the curves and flow of nature.
In the Sagrada Familia the
pillars are consistently changing as they reach towards to the ceiling. They
start as squares and change into octagons and so on until they become circular
in shape. The columns supporting the inside of the church are thought to act
like trees. At the base, you have a simple pillar, but the pillar eventually
starts to branch off multiple times in a mathematical progression. Along with
Gaudi’s naturalistic take on the pillars, animals hold two pillars up; one by a
turtle and the other by a tortoise-one representing earth and the other
represents the sea.
6.
Windows:
The windows are covered
with beautiful stained glass windows and columns are lining the best imported
stones.
7.
The Crypt:
Under the apse is the
crypt, a small circular church which allows gatherings and prayers. It houses
the tomb of Antoni Gaudi. Do not miss it! It is lovely!
PRACTICAL
INFO:
Address
:
Carrer de Mallorca 401
Transport
: Metro-
Sagrada Familia Station (line 2)
Phone:
+34
93 207 30 31
Price:
Adult €13 (+€4 Guide or audioguide)
Students and Pensioners: €11 (+€4 Guided or audioguide)
Kids up to 10 years: FREE
Lift Charge: €3
Adult €13 (+€4 Guide or audioguide)
Students and Pensioners: €11 (+€4 Guided or audioguide)
Kids up to 10 years: FREE
Lift Charge: €3
Time
needed: easily
around 2 hours
Operation
hours: 9am-6pm
(Oct-March) 9am-8pm (April-September)
Information:
Bad
weather elevator to upper level is closed.
TIP:
The Sagrada Familia is not only famous for being Barcelona’s no.1 tourist
attraction it’s also famous for its entrance queues. Up to 2 hours or more is
not uncommon. Bear in mind you could be queuing for hours under the hot Spanish
sun making this a particularly unpleasant experience. Make sure to bring plenty
of fluids and sunscreen! It’s recommended to purchase the audio guide or take
the guided group visit; you will enjoy best by discovering a number of details
that otherwise you will miss. Lastly, you may download the official app for La
Sagrada Familia for free at the AppStore.
Now
that you know about the Sagrada Familia, plan a trip to visit this magnificent
basilica and other attractive places that the city has got to offer. The
feeling of awe you get as soon as you see this cathedral close-up is
unexplainable. A truly beautiful man-made wonder and one of Gaudi’s finest creations.
No trip to Barcelona is complete without a visit to the Sagrada Familia! Leave
your comments here on the Backpack 2
Barcelona travel blog!
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