La Sagrada Família

La Sagrada Família (officially the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família) is an unfinished Catholic basilica in Barcelona designed by the celebrated Art Nouveau architect Antoni Gaudi.

La Sagrada Familia is one of Gaudi's most famous works in Barcelona. It's a giant temple with 18 towers and has been under construction since 1882. It is not expected to be completed for another 30 to 80 years(depending on whose information you use).

Stained Glass

Much controversy surrounds the building of the Sagrada Familia. Today new construction materials are being used which, some feel, Gaudi himself would not have used.

When you visit the building you will see the contrast in the color of the stone between the front and back of the building. Also the actual style of construction appears somewhat different between the new and old parts of the building.

interior

Gaudi played an active role in directing the construction. He would often request that work be modified and adjusted until it was exactly what he had in mind. He headed the project until his untimely death in 1926, when he was run over by a tram on the Gran Via. He died in the hospital two days later and was mourned by all of Catalonia. He is buried in the crypt of the Sagrada Familia.

Regardless of all the controversy surrounding the Sagrada Familia it is a truly magnificent building and an absolute must-see when you visit Barcelona.

My Photo Pictorial Below

Worship services are scheduled to begin inside the church sometime in 2010.

I'm Just Sayin