SPAIN. Barcelona: Spain is the epicenter of the cultural history and breathtaking architecture of Europe that is exhibited through the country’s various places of worship. Spain has a treasure of many beautiful places of worship that represent the unrivaled power of architecture and religious inspiration. La Sagrada Familia Basilica, Barcelona is one of the most prominent ones and is an absolute must-see for every tourist.
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Even though the building is still under construction, La Sagrada Familia Basilica is an iconic Spanish landmark. Though the construction work has started in 1882, it’s expected to be completed only around 2026. Once completed, the Basilica certainly will surpass all the churches previously built. It will be the tallest religious building in all of Europe with the central tower in the middle will reaching 170 meters in height.
The architecture of La Sagrada Familia has three-dimensional forms incorporates ruled surfaces, and the Church has three grand façades: the Nativity façade to the East, the Passion façade to the West, and the Glory façade to the South. Sandstone from Montjuic in Barcelona has been used for the bell towers on the Nativity and Passion facades.
Planning the Basilica
The plans to build La Sagrada Familia Basilica were finalised in the middle of the 19th century by José María Bocabella, president of the Holy Brotherhood. The church was dedicated to the Holy Family “Sagrada Familia” and Architect Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona’s most famous architect of Modernism, was chosen to design the Sagrada Familia. Gaudí designed the church in such an expansive dimension and lush design that it was given the classification of the cathedral.
The building of the Sagrada Familia is based on the classical construction of a five-aisled basilica with a floor plan that is full of symbols. Every door, every pillar, and the surface has its own specific or symbolic meaning that gives the visitor a feeling of deep religiosity.
The landmark of Barcelona, Basilica Sagrada Familia is an architectural masterpiece and is open to churchgoers and visitors since the 19th century. Over 4.5 million visitors visit every year and locals come here to the church services. Mass is held every Saturday evening and every Sunday morning and is conducted in several languages.
