Sagrada Familia

Today I'm taking you along my exploration of the Basilica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, a church that has been under construction in Barcelona, Spain for 142 years. Catalan's favorite architect, Antoni Gaudí, designed it, and its construction has been funded completely by private donation. In 1984 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, his seventh building to receive that honor. The current plan calls for its completion in 2034.

Gaudí is known for his unique style of Catalan Modernism. The church is an imposing structure that rises high over the surrounding buildings and can be easily spotted when flying in or out of the city. The softer, contoured elements are his trademark style that appear in all of his designs, many of which were housing projects.

The modernism extend to his depictions of the stations of the cross adorning one side of the main structure. On the other side, depictions of Jesus, Mary, Joseph and God the Father embellish the facade.

As interesting the outside is, I was most inspired by the inside. The colored glass panes are arranged in a rainbow pattern around the interior. Unlike the European churches constructed prior, when natural and artificial light was kept from exposing the ceiling, this one celebrates light.

Toward the back, a shadowy figure of St. George looms over The Lord's Prayer. Towards the front, the altar is overshadowed by Christ hanging from a cross, flanked by spiral staircases that lead to lofty choir areas. It is easy to imagine this blessed space being filled with human voices celebrating the wonders of faith.

Speaking of lofty, my ticket included riding an elevator up one of the two main towers, then walking the 400 spiraled steps back down. On the way, there were magnificent views of the higher features and the city extending towards the horizon.

The basilica is a celebration of life and faith, and is worth a visit, regardless of your faith or beliefs.

(All images are property of the author)