What Is the Big Church in Barcelona?

By Anna Duncan

Barcelona is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. One of the most iconic structures in the city is the Sagrada Familia, also known as the “Big Church”. This magnificent basilica has been under construction for over a century and is considered one of Antoni Gaudi’s greatest masterpieces.

The History of Sagrada Familia

Construction on the Sagrada Familia began in 1882, under the direction of architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. However, after just a year, Villar resigned from the project due to disagreements with the promoting organization.

Antoni Gaudi then took over as lead architect in 1883, at the age of 31. He transformed Sagrada Familia into his life’s work and devoted himself to it until his death in 1926.

Despite being under construction for over a century, Sagrada Familia remains unfinished to this day. The project has been funded solely by private donations and was interrupted by both World War I and II and Spain’s Civil War. It has only been in recent years that significant progress has been made toward completing the basilica.

The Design of Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia blends various architectural styles such as Gothic and Art Nouveau with Gaudi’s own unique style that drew inspiration from nature.

The basilica features three grand facades which each depict different scenes related to Christianity – Nativity Facade (the birth of Jesus), Passion Facade (the crucifixion of Jesus), and Glory Facade (the resurrection of Jesus). Each facade is adorned with intricate sculptures that depict religious figures and symbols.

The interior of Sagrada Familia is equally breathtaking with soaring columns designed to resemble trees reaching up towards a canopy-like ceiling. The stained glass windows cast an enchanting glow throughout the space, with each window featuring a unique color scheme and design.

The Future of Sagrada Familia

Despite being unfinished, Sagrada Familia remains one of Barcelona’s top tourist attractions. In 2019 alone, it welcomed over 4.5 million visitors.

Construction on the basilica is ongoing and is expected to be completed in 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death. Once finished, the basilica will have a total of 18 spires – each representing a significant figure in Christianity.

In conclusion, the Sagrada Familia is not just a church but an architectural masterpiece that attracts millions of visitors every year. Its unique design and rich history make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Barcelona.