What Is the Unfinished Church in Barcelona Called?

By Robert Palmer

The Unfinished Church in Barcelona is one of the most interesting architectural landmarks in the city. This church, also known as the Sagrada Familia, is a masterpiece of modernist architecture and is famous for its unique style and stunning design.

What Is the Sagrada Familia?

The Sagrada Familia is a large Roman Catholic church located in Barcelona, Spain. It was designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi and construction began in 1882. However, due to various challenges such as funding issues and the Spanish Civil War, the church remains incomplete to this day.

Why Is It Called the Unfinished Church?

Despite being under construction for over 100 years, the Sagrada Familia remains unfinished. Antoni Gaudi passed away in 1926 before he could complete his masterpiece, leaving behind only his plans and models for future architects to follow.

What Makes It Unique?

The Sagrada Familia is unique in many ways. One of its most striking features is its size – it’s one of the largest churches in the world and can hold up to 14,000 people at once. The design of the church is also unique, with its towering spires and intricate facades depicting various scenes from Christian history.

The Facades

There are three facades on the Sagrada Familia – the Nativity Facade, Passion Facade, and Glory Facade. Each facade portrays different scenes from Christian history and has its own distinct style.

The Nativity Facade depicts scenes from Jesus’ birth and childhood. Its design is heavily influenced by nature with intricate carvings of animals and plants adorning its walls.

The Passion Facade portrays Jesus’ crucifixion and death. Its style is much more austere than that of the Nativity Facade, with sharp lines and stark sculptures.

The Glory Facade, which is currently under construction, will depict scenes from the Last Judgment. Its design is expected to be grand and awe-inspiring.

The Interior

The interior of the Sagrada Familia is just as impressive as its exterior. The colorful stained glass windows allow natural light to filter into the church, creating a breathtaking effect. The columns inside the church are designed to resemble trees, giving visitors the feeling of being in a forest.

Conclusion

Despite being unfinished, the Sagrada Familia remains one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist attractions and a testament to Antoni Gaudi’s vision and creativity. Its unique design and sheer size make it an awe-inspiring sight that should not be missed by anyone visiting Barcelona.