Rising towards the sky, the Sagrada Família is Barcelona's most famous silhouette, and each of its forms is a symbol conscientiously created by the genius of Gaudí.
A Modernista marvel
La Sagrada Família (Temple of the Holy Family) occupies an entire block between Carrer Mallorca and Carrer Provença, and it is one of the most visited sights in Barcelona. Building work started in 1883 and continues today, following the plans that Gaudí, aware he would not see the completion of the temple, left for his successors. The Modernista architect devoted 40 years of his life to it, the last 15 exclusively, and he is buried under the nave.
This architectural genius left the city one of the most original basilicas in the world. It is of great architectural interest and has been declared a World Heritage site. The symbolism of its three main facades, dedicated to the birth (the only one Gaudí was able to finish), the passion and resurrection of Christ, is so detailed and so profuse that just admiring this can take hours. Every year it astounds millions of visitors.
The forest that reaches for the sky
For the interior Gaudí took his inspiration from nature and designed enormous columns shaped like tree trunks that turn it into an exuberant stone forest. So far, eight towers have been built of the 18 he planned: 12 for the apostles, four for the evangelists, one for Mary and one for Jesus. Gaudí only managed one in his lifetime and even today no one knows how many years it will take before this enormous project is completed. In the meantime it will continue to be one of the most emblematic icons of Barcelona and Modernisme.