5 Incredible Facts About the Famous Sagrada Familia
The la Sagrada Família is an iconic basilica in Barcelona, Spain, designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. Its construction began in 1882 and is still ongoing. Here are five incredible facts about this famous landmark:
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Architectural Masterpiece: The Sagrada Família is a masterpiece of architectural innovation and complexity. Antoni Gaudí took over the project in 1883 and completely redesigned it, infusing his unique style, inspired by nature and geometry. The basilica combines Gothic and Art Nouveau elements, showcasing Gaudí's vision of a "forest" of stone with its tree-like columns and intricate facades.
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Ongoing Construction: One of the most astonishing aspects of the Sagrada Família is its extended construction period. Despite over a century of work, the basilica remains unfinished. Gaudí knew that the project would take a long time to complete and even famously said, "My client is not in a hurry." As of my last update in September 2021, the estimated completion date was set for 2026, but this may have changed since then.
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Unique Facades: The Sagrada Família boasts three different facades, each telling a distinct part of the Christian story. The Nativity Facade, facing the sunrise, portrays the birth of Jesus and is the only one completed during Gaudí's lifetime. The Passion Facade, representing the crucifixion, is stark and angular, designed by Josep Maria Subirachs in a more modern style. Lastly, the Glory Facade, which is still under construction, will depict the themes of death, judgment, and eternal life.
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Verticality and Towers: The basilica's design emphasizes verticality, with its central spire dedicated to Jesus Christ soaring to a height of 170 meters (560 feet). When completed, it will make the Sagrada Família the tallest church building in the world. In total, the basilica will have 18 spires, symbolizing different figures from the Bible, with the highest one being the central spire.
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Gaudí's Burial Place: Antoni Gaudí was so dedicated to the Sagrada Família that he made it his final resting place. After his death in 1926, he was buried in the crypt of the basilica. Visitors can pay their respects to this visionary architect at his tomb, which lies below the nave of the church.
The Sagrada Família continues to be one of the most beloved and remarkable architectural wonders, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year. Its ongoing construction and unique design elements ensure that it remains a symbol of Barcelona and a testament to Gaudí's genius.
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