Sagrada Familia Part One

The Basilica of the Holy Family (Templo de la Sagrada Familia) often called Sagrada Familia, a Roman Catholic church, is undeniably Gaudi's masterwork. He devoted more than 40 years of his life from 1883 until his untimely death in 1926.

He began the four towers of the Nativity facade (East), an amazing gospel put to stone and ceramics but lived to see only one of them finished. Construction on this emblematic and monumental temple continues today and financed exclusively from donations and contributions from visitors (entrance fees support construction, 12 euros pp.). Completion of the project is expected around 2026.

The final project consists of 8 towers, the tallest rising to a height of 170 meters. The sheer magnitude of Gaudi's project made the Sagrada Familia Barcelona's most famous landmark. It's master architect was said to have remarked: " BARCELONA WILL BE KNOWN FOR THIS TEMPLE." (info from brochure)

Sagrada Familia is too big, too vast, too detailed to be contained in only one post. It will require at least 3; heck I might even go for 4. In this first installment I shall feature the PASSION facade (West), where the entrance is located.

Even in cloudy day, when the setting sun hits the church, the colors become more vibrant.
The Passion Facade, point of entry. On the right is the gift shop.
Details on the tower, there's plenty of them. This one I think says Thomas Apostolus (St. Thomas the apostle?)
More writings.
All the details can be overwhelming, just by the sheer number of them. You don't know where to look first.
Looking up to the crucifixion of Jesus.
Notice the alpha-omega carving at the entrance of the church?
Another depiction of a grieving soul.
The magic square in the passion facade.
The door bears inscriptions to the question of Pontius Pilate, "What is the truth?"

Comments

  1. That's a huge church. I admire the great details. It must have taken a lot of meticulous planning to build it.

    Happy New Year! Wishing you a great 2010.

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  2. I am green with envy. I want to see (and touch) this. I can just imagine for now how many GB of memories I'll devote for this.

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  3. Maria, these pictures are very nice and so interesting. It's a very important Basilica, full of details. Certainly, one post is not sufficient to describe this complex splendid church. I'll be glad to see the following parts!

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  4. i had a hard time fitting the Basilica with my shots, but i am so impressed that you took so many detailed photos =). i would love to go back to Barcelona again.

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  5. Thank you very much for your highly interesting posts about Gaudi*s magnificent works of art. I deply admire them. But I did not know that Sagrada Familia is still unfinished!! And I did not know the details you show in your pictures!

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  6. Gaudi was an incredible artist. The man grieving is emotionally moving. I'll have to look at your other posts on Gaudi.

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  7. Wow that is an incredible work of art and architecture, imagine still being constructed up to now. Now you are very lucky to see this place, Maria! Great captures!

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  8. Fine close ups of this great place!

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  9. This church, Maria, will always rank as one of the top in the world, no question about it. I have been there at least 3 times now and even climbed up one of the towers as high as we could go. It is an experience that leaves you speechless. Your images are excellent and bring back so many memories. Thank you.

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  10. what an amazing structure! i can't even begin to imagine what it's like inside; must be as majestic as the outside. :)

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  11. It's amazing how people spend so much money on churches. They are magnificient buildings.

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  12. This is a fascinating place! I have been there quite a while ago.

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  13. Wow! What a fantastic architecture! Love Gaudi so much! My son went last Abril to Barcelona and love the city and Gaudi masterpieces.

    Happy New Year!

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  14. Wow, magnificent! I'm in awe, speechless...your photo details are great!

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  15. Such beautiful church. Great sculptors!

    Thank you for sharing.

    Enjoy the vacation.

    Regards.

    Regina

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  16. WOW, fascinating design! very distinct and unique design for a church. great shots...i love the details you shared with us.

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  17. I like the way you showed the different color depending on the sun. That's remarkable. I love the details of this amazing place.

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  18. Marvelous architecture. Once completed, it will be extraordinary piece of art work very unique.

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  19. Incredible! The architecture is absolutely amazing!

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  20. Amazing architecture. Great place to shoot photos :)

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  21. Splendid!

    Great blogs! both of them!

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  22. Beautiful sculpture and architecture. Sometimes though, it makes me think, there are more eloquent buildings with no one living there than there are houses for the homeless. What a funny contrast to some religious teachings ... so non-scriptural practice at all!

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  23. An amazing and beautiful edifice. While I do enjoy the wonderful cathedrals in Europe and in our own country I can't but wonder if Christ would not prefer the effort to go to easing the suffering in the world rather than to glorify Him.
    I know I am not the first to express such a thought nor will I be the last.

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