The Basilica of Sagrada Família is one of the
things that make Barcelona so special. Even unfinished it managed to dazzle the
world. Antoni Gaudí’s unique creation is not just a treat for your eyes but
also for your mind. Discover curious facts that shaped this eccentric
church.
1. Antoni Gaudí was not the first choice
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| Source: Wikipedia |
Sagrada would not be what it is today without the
obsessive genius of Antoni Gaudí. Hence, it’s hard to believe that he was not
the first pick to be its architect. Initially, the project was entrusted to the
official architect of the diocese, Don Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano.
He drew his neo-gothic plans and the construction began in 1882. Gaudí joined
the team in 1883 as a junior assistant. However, Villar only managed to complete
the crypt before he abandoned the project because of disagreements.
The congregation in charge first asked Gaudí’s
former professor. He respectfully declined as he felt he was too old to
undertake a project that big and instead recommended the young and talented
Gaudí.
2. Gaudí knew he will never see the church completed
Since the very beginning, Gaudí knew he wouldn’t
be able to see Sagrada Família finished. Hence, he drew up detailed plans to
ensure the construction would continue once he was gone. To acknowledge and
honor the fact that he was part of something bigger and greater than himself,
he wanted the facades to be constructed separately. This way every generation
of architects could contribute and give the church their own twist.
3. Sagrada Família is not a cathedral
Many people mistakenly believe Sagrada Família is
a cathedral. Don’t worry if you thought so as well. It’s easy to make this
assumption because of the size and lush design of the church. The true
Barcelona cathedral is The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia in
Barri Gotic.
The church of Sagrada Família was supposed to be
a neighborhood church dedicated to the holy family. It’s Gaudí’s vision that
transformed it into a piece of art. Thanks to its popularity, in 2010, Pope
Benedict XVI granted the church a status of a minor basilica.
4. Each Facade Tells a Story
The Nativity Facade, the only one completed by
Gaudí, tells the story of the birth of Jesus. Various elements and sculptures
of the facade not only depict the early years of Jesus’ life, they also feature
a lot of natural references.
The Passion Facade is significantly simpler in
design and depicts the passion (suffering) of the Christ and stages of his
crucifixion. Several different architects worked on this facade and reacted
Gaudí’s designs while also giving it their own touch. The Passion Facade faces
west so as to emphasize the symbol of Christ’s death.
Last but not least, there is the Glory Face,
which is still largely under construction. It will be the largest and most
significant of the three as it will lead to the basilica’s central nave. The
works only started in 2002, so it’s not very far along. This facade is
dedicated to Jesus’ glory and rise to heavens. Gaudí’s sketches of the facade
include general representations of death, final judgment, glory and even hell
for those that lose their path.
5. Its Angles are Defined by Gravity
The angles of Sagrada Família created have been
defined by nature. How? Gaudí built a model of the church from hanging strings
and weights. He traced the outlines of the church on a wooden board, put it up
on the ceiling and hung strings from the points where the columns should stand.
Next, he hung on them small sacs of weight, attaching them to the natural,
gravity-created arches. Photographing the model, Gaudí calculated the
nature-given angles of each column and arch. You can see the copy of the string
model in the museum below the church.
6. Each Tower has a Meaning
Gaudí thought his masterpiece through and through
and so, not even the towers escaped witty symbolism. When the Sagrada is
completed, it will feature impressive 18 towers in total; 12 to symbolize the
apostles, 4 the Evangelists, one will represent the Virgin Mary and, the
tallest one in the center, Jesus. However, so far we can see only 8 towers
rising above.
7. Gaudí gave Sagrada Família all he had
Sagrada Família was Gaudí’s life’s work not only
because he spent most of his life building, but also because he gave it
everything spiritually, mentally, physically, as well as financially.
Interestingly, Gaudí was not a very religious man
when he decided to undertake the design and construction of the church. His
faith in God grew more the deeper he studied the liturgy. When the project run
out of funding, he even offered to work on it without pay given he had a
complete artistic freedom. A rumor has it, he often took to the streets and
tried to raise the fund himself. In the end, his obsession with the church
outgrew his everyday life. He slept in his workshops, barely shaved and
showered. He was so neglected that it took the officials three days to realize
that the “homeless man” who was killed by a tram was the great Antoni Gaudí.
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