Gaudi's
Sacred Family Church

candid Barcelona tips

 

Why Gaudi's
Sacred Family Church
is special

The Sacred Family Church conceived by Antoni Gaudi is one of the world's most striking and unconventionally designed houses of worship.

Gaudi's Sacred Family Church
tips & insights

Construction

Construction began in 1883. Today, about 125 years later, it's still unfinished. Delays were caused by many factors, including the Spanish Civil War, Gaudi's design flaws (which had to be corrected), his propensity to change plans in midstream, and his death in 1926 (he was killed by a streetcar). Completion-time estimates vary from "soon" to "never". If you factor in modern engineering technology and the structure's current state (70% complete), I would say 2020. But with this project, any prediction is risky.

Architectural design

Gaudi's design style is eclectic, with obvious Neo-Gothic, Art Nouveaux and wild imagination elements thrown in. The Sacred Family Church will have 12 spires soaring as high as a modern 35-story building, So far 8 have been built (including the 4 shown in the photo). In addition, there will be a central dome and spire rising yet another 15 stories.

Threat concern

A planned high-speed-train tunnel will come very close the foundation of the Sacred Family Church. This has created controversy. Some experts believe that tunnel construction and train vibrations could damage the building by causing falling tiles, structural cracks, or even total collapse.

View of Barcelona

You can take an elevator up one of the spires for a great view of Barcelona. Alternatively, you can also walk up, but the staircase is quite narrow, has several hundred steps, and has two-way traffic.

Crypt

Antoni Gaudi is entombed in the crypt of the Sacred Family Church. Be sure to visit the interesting museum in the crypt area. It illustrates the construction history.

Avoid the crowds

Arrive in the morning when the Gaudi's Sacred Family Church first opens. Waiting lines are usually long because floor space is limited and this is Barcelona's most popular attraction.

  

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