Just three days before the long Orthodox Easter weekend, we decided to go to Barcelona for the four-day break. We got our flights, a hotel room, and tickets to Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia. I have long wanted to visit Gaudi's creations and Barcelona. They did not disappoint.
Construction on La Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926) joined the project as the architect in 1883. Since Gaudi's death, a number of other architects have continued his work and vision for the basilica. The projected completion date is 2026. Photographs do not in any way convey the feeling of actually seeing and walking through this amazing structure, but here are some of my photographs. The breathtakingly lovely interior is called the forest with good reason. The height is immense and the top of the columns branch out to form paraboloid arches to support the roof.
Detail at the Nativity Entrance. The stained glass windows are peaceful blues and greens that paint the basilica's ceiling with softly shaded color.
The interior on the Passion Facade side has stained glass in shades of orange and red.
While the Nativity Facade has vignettes of the life of Christ, the Passion Facade is the crucifixion story. The figures are angular and the columns look like stretched muscles. The decoration is both spare and tense.
With its tall, clear glass windows the interior wall of the Glory Facade is bathed in natural light. This is where grand processions will enter.
 |
| Glory Facade Interior and Paraboloid Arches in the Basilica Forest |
 |
| Replica Doors for the Glory Facade with "Our Father" in Catalan and 50 different languages |
Seven years until it's finished. The timing is to coincide with the 100 year anniversary of Gaudi's death. (Note: the aerial photo was a gift from La Sagrada Family)
Comments
Post a Comment