La Sagrada FamiliaBy Michael Schoenfeld

History

• the Sagrada Familia is a giant Temple that has been under construction since 1882

• It was designed by Gaudi

• Gaudi died in 1926 and construction slowed down

The Facades of La Sagrada Familia

The Nativity Facade

• This facade, oriented to the east and the rising sun, is dedicated to the birth of Jesus and his life. It is located at Marina Street.

The Passion Facade

• This facade is oriented to the west. Sharp geometrical shapes and bare ornamentation are used to represent the passion and death of Jesus Christ. It is located at Sardenya Street.

• It is composed by a six-column portal that has three entrance doors located between four bell-towers in line. The doors are also dedicated to the Christian virtues.

The Glory Facade

• This will be the main facade of the Temple, but it is not built yet. It will be located at Mallorca Street and oriented to the south. It will be devoted to the Glory of Jesus.

• To the right and left hand side will be located the chapel of the Holy Sacrament and the Baptistery. There is going to be eleven doors in total, giving entrance to the chapels and the cloister.

The Bell Towers

• 12 bell-towers between 90 m and 112 m high represent the apostles. At a certain height their rhomboidal shape becomes elliptic. The outline of their upper part evocates the crosier of the bishops, their knot symbolizes the ring, and the end of the bell-tower is a double shield similar to a metre, containing a golden cross with the initials of the apostle to whom is dedicated each tower.

Importance to Barcelona

• It is one of Barcelona’s main tourist attractions

• Construction will continue until 2041

• The church will be able to accommodate 13,000 people

Sources

• http://www.sagradafamilia.org/eng/arquitect/descripcio.htm

• http://www.sagradafamilia.org/

• http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Sagrada_Familia.html

• http://www.aviewoncities.com/barcelona/sagradafamilia.htm

The End