Barcelona’s Most Famous Monument: La Sagrada Familia
Located in the heart of Barcelona in Spain, La Sagrada Familia stands loud and proud as the city’s most famous monument. This historical masterpiece is a church and also known as ‘a holy place’, which was built to be seen from all points of Barcelona.
Scaling at 170 metres, this sacred, historical basilica attracts thousands and thousands of visitors every year and is filled with religious symbols. The mastermind behind this magnificent landmark is none other than Antoni Gaudi. The stunning facade and intricate details are certainly reflective of his creative architectural approach.
History
The construction of the church began in 1882. But since the beginning of its construction, this breathtaking church still remains incomplete. Since it has been in the works for over a century, many are curious to know if it will ever be completed.
Although the construction of the church was far from finished, La Sagrada Familia was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
Gaudi’s Work
Antoni Gaudi was a Spanish architect who was behind the creation of La Sagrada Familia. He was known for his creative design process and his distinctive architectural designs. Gaudi was also the face of Catalan architecture, which was originated from a cultural movement that began towards the end of the 19th century.
Gaudi’s designs were heavily inspired by nature, which was where he developed architectural techniques. He studied the formations of plants and animals to see how they would support different shapes and weight.
Apart from La Sagrada Familia, some of Gaudi’s other famous works include Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera; and Park Güell. Gaudi passed away in 1926 before he could complete the construction of La Sagrada Familia.
La Sagrada Familia is hoped to be completed in 2026, the centennial of Gaudi’s death. But some say that it may take even longer. In spite of the fact that this masterpiece is unfinished and may not be for a couple of more years, it already is a spectacle to behold. If you’re ever in Europe, make sure to add this to your list of places to visit.
