We spent the morning of our last full day in Barcelona visiting Gaudí’s masterpiece, La Sagrada Família, the church of the Holy Family.

The Basilica construction began in 1882, under a different architect and very different plan. Gaudí took over in 1883, and eventually completely changed the plan to fit his vision. Gaudí was a deeply religious man as well as one intensely affected by nature. Sagrada Familia displays symbols and references to both. The last years of his life were entirely dedicated to the basilica. 

Gaudí’s plans included construction techniques yet to be invented, so the construction of parts of the basilica was not possible in his time. Gaudi was killed by a streetcar before even the completion of the first of three of the facades, the Nativity Facade. The work continues. The goal, we are told again and again here, is to finish by 2026, the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death. Some skepticism is in order, seeing that there are at least five more towers, including the Jesus tower that will be the highest man-made structure in Barcelona, yet to be completed. Also still under construction is the Glory Facade, the most elaborate.

A day spent exploring this church would not be excessive. Who knows if we will be just another generation that passes while construction goes on, but if the basilica really is finished on the new schedule, it would be wonderful to see it as envisioned by Gaudí, and as interpreted by architects carrying on his work.

There is a little more information in the slide show captions below.