La Sagrada Familia

Gaudí’s most famous work, the Temple of the Holy Family, or La Sagrada Família, rests in Barcelona, Spain. This enormous basilica is one of the most important religious structures in all of Europe, and perhaps the world.

The church’s enormous towers soar high into the air, like massive stone cliffs carved out of the sky. Even though you can buy a ticket and tour through La Sagrada Família, construction on this mammoth basilica is still underway. To some of the locals in Barcelona, it seems like work on this church will never end. It probably seemed that way to their grandparents as well.

Gaudí first began work on his magnum opus in 1882. Construction stopped and started in fits, depending on the state of the nation at the time. Wars, depressions and several regime changes affected the speed of the work. In the modern era, the pace of construction has quickened. New materials and techniques not available in Gaudí’s day have allowed the builders and architects to shape the basilica according to the master’s original, organic vision. The massive central nave, which was once blocked off from the rest of the church, is now open to the public. You can now see the forest-like interior, with all of its spiraling and intricate designs, for yourself.

On the outside, you’ll be able to view La Sagrada Família’s three impressive façades. The building is chock-full of religious symbolism, especially above the entranceways. The elaborate Nativity Façade defines the main portal to the east, while the Passion Façade will greet you in the west. The lovely Glory Façade comprises the southern side.

The Nativity Façade is perhaps the most famous, and most complex entrance into the church. Here you’ll encounter the motif of the birth of Jesus, and the adoration of baby by the Shepherds and the Magi. High above these sculptures, you’ll find the ‘Tree of Life,’ which is made up of a large Cypress tree, with a white dove resting above it. The dove represents the purity of the Holy Spirit.

Inside the church proper, you can stroll around unhindered, and even take an elevator up to the summits of two towers. On high, you’ll find vertigo-inducing stairs and archway bridges, as well as some exceptional views across the city of Barcelona. For the faint of heart, of those who are afraid of heights, it might be best to keep your feet planted on terra firma.

After you’ve wandered through the church, head outside and down into the basement for a visit to the Gaudí and La Sagrada Família museum. There you’ll be able to learn about all of the effort that has gone into the construction of this magnificent basilica. You can even see some of the artisans in their studios hard at work, fabricating pieces that will, in due course, be added to the final structure.