Sagrada Familia in Barcelona Catalonia
One of the most special churches I've ever seen is without no doubt
the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
It really is a very big building in a quirky but beautiful style
created by Antoni Gaudí.
The Sagrada Familia also is listed at the UNESCO World Heritage
Site due to its Neo Gothic Modernist style and its beautiful history.
Some history
Originally the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia was the inspiration of
a bookseller, called Josep Maria Bocabella. He was the founder of the
Assoición Espiritual de Devotos de San José.
In 1872, Bocabella visited the Vatican. When returning from Italy, he
had the intention of building a church inspired by the Basilica at
Loreto.
On 19 March 1882, the building work started by architect
Francisco de Paula del Villar. He had the plan for a Gothic Revival
church of a standard form.
On 18 March 1883, Francisco de Paula del Villar resigned and
Antoni Gaudi assumed responsibility for its design, which he
changed radically.
The Sagrada Familia had a long construction period. Gaudi is
said to have remarked: "My client is not in a hurry."
When Gaudi died in 1926, the basilica was between 15 and
25% complete.
The building works of the Sagrada Familia were interrupted
again by the Spanish Civil War (which lasted from 1936
till 1939). Parts of the unfinished basilica and Gaudi's models
were destroyed during the war by Catalan anarchists.
Since 1940, the architects Francesc Quintana, Isidre Puig
Boada, Lluís Bonet i Gari and Francesc Cardoner have
carried on the work. Jordi Fauli took over as chief architect
in 2012.
In 2000, the central nave vaulting was completed but the
other building works still continues.
On 7 November 2010, the Sagrada Familia was consecrated
by Pope Benedict XVI in front of a congregation of 6,500
people. A further 50,000 people followed the consecration Mass
from outside the basillica. On his arrival Pope Benedict met
King Juan Carlos of Spain and Queen Sofia.
In 2011 a small fire started in the sacristy which forced the
evacuation of tourists and construction workers.
In 2017 after the Barcelona Attacks King Felipe of Spain
and Queen Letizia also attended a mass at the Sagrada Familia.
A visit
I visited the Sagrada Familia in December 2016. Then I took
these pictures. Be sure, you always book a visit to the
Sagrada Familia in advance. It is one of the most busiest
main sights of Barcelona.
own pictures
the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
It really is a very big building in a quirky but beautiful style
created by Antoni Gaudí.
The Sagrada Familia also is listed at the UNESCO World Heritage
Site due to its Neo Gothic Modernist style and its beautiful history.
 |
| Sagrada Familia in Barcelona 2016 |
Some history
Originally the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia was the inspiration of
a bookseller, called Josep Maria Bocabella. He was the founder of the
Assoición Espiritual de Devotos de San José.
In 1872, Bocabella visited the Vatican. When returning from Italy, he
had the intention of building a church inspired by the Basilica at
Loreto.
On 19 March 1882, the building work started by architect
Francisco de Paula del Villar. He had the plan for a Gothic Revival
church of a standard form.
On 18 March 1883, Francisco de Paula del Villar resigned and
Antoni Gaudi assumed responsibility for its design, which he
changed radically.
 |
| Sagrada Familia in Barcelona 2016 |
The Sagrada Familia had a long construction period. Gaudi is
said to have remarked: "My client is not in a hurry."
When Gaudi died in 1926, the basilica was between 15 and
25% complete.
The building works of the Sagrada Familia were interrupted
again by the Spanish Civil War (which lasted from 1936
till 1939). Parts of the unfinished basilica and Gaudi's models
were destroyed during the war by Catalan anarchists.
Since 1940, the architects Francesc Quintana, Isidre Puig
Boada, Lluís Bonet i Gari and Francesc Cardoner have
carried on the work. Jordi Fauli took over as chief architect
in 2012.
In 2000, the central nave vaulting was completed but the
other building works still continues.
On 7 November 2010, the Sagrada Familia was consecrated
by Pope Benedict XVI in front of a congregation of 6,500
people. A further 50,000 people followed the consecration Mass
from outside the basillica. On his arrival Pope Benedict met
King Juan Carlos of Spain and Queen Sofia.
In 2011 a small fire started in the sacristy which forced the
evacuation of tourists and construction workers.
In 2017 after the Barcelona Attacks King Felipe of Spain
and Queen Letizia also attended a mass at the Sagrada Familia.
 |
| Sagrada Familia in Barcelona 2016 |
A visit
I visited the Sagrada Familia in December 2016. Then I took
these pictures. Be sure, you always book a visit to the
Sagrada Familia in advance. It is one of the most busiest
main sights of Barcelona.
 |
| Sagrada Familia in Barcelona 2016 |
 |
| Sagrada Familia in Barcelona 2016 |
 |
| Sagrada Familia in Barcelona 2016 |
own pictures
Comments