Walking into Sagrada Familia and looking up is like entering a totally different world.
Barcelona arrived in the Twentieth Century with its own brand of Art Nouveau, Modernisme. Combining whimsical and practical with a healthy dollop of nature, Barcelona’s Catalan artists and architects did a makeover of their city. Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926), the best known among the Modernistas, added strong religious belief to his work and became the architect of Sagrada Familia, the Church of the Holy Family.
Started in 1883, the church continues to be a work in progress today. Like the great cathedrals of the Gothic and Renaissance periods, it is a work of generations, and like the great cathedrals of Europe, is a masterpiece of art and architecture. Peggy, I, and our traveling companions walked inside and could only stare in awe at the beauty. I’ve selected the photos for this blog to provide a sense of why.
The front of Sagrada Familia reflects Antoni Gaudi’s love of nature and is sometimes described as looking like a melting cake. My thoughts are a melting ice cream cake. The church is a work in progress. The four towers are the first of 14.
A close up of the towers. The lower right shows doves that Gaudi included on the church.
This sculpture found on the opposite side of the church is one of many included in Joseph Marin Subirachs’ story of Christ’s death. I found the modern sculptures both powerful and moving.
More sculptures by Subirachs.
Another view looking up inside of Sagrada Familia. The columns inside the church range from 36 to 72 feet tall. The ceiling vault reaches a height of 200 feet. The final tower, which will rest on the beams and ceiling, will soar 560 feet into the air, making it the tallest church steeple in the world.
The columns in Sagrada Familia come in different colors and follow Gaudi’s nature theme. Designed to symbolize tree trunks, they branch at the top. The clear windows will eventually be replaced with stained glass windows.
The majority of beautiful stained glass windows are already in place. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson)
This, and the two photos below, provide more examples of stained glass windows in the church.
Stained glass windows in Sagrada Familia
A rather unique set of stained glass windows.
I thought this interior photo captured the etherial quality of Sagrada Familia.
I love this artistic juxtaposition of the organ pipes and stained glass windows taken by Peggy. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson)
The Crucifix that hangs above the altar.
A final view of Sagrada Familia. Cranes show work in progress. The church is scheduled to be finished in 2026.
NEXT BLOG: We leave the Mediterranean and head for Lisbon.
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20 thoughts on “Sagrada Familia… Barcelona’s Masterpiece of Art and Faith Soars Toward the Sky”
Alison
Fabulous photos. I was also pleased with my own photos. But it doesn’t matter how many photos you take, how many angles, they can never do it justice can they? Hopefully enough to inspire people to go see for themselves. I think it’s one of the most extraordinary, and beautiful, places I’ve ever seen.
Here’s my own post about it in case you’re interested
http://alisonanddon.wordpress.com/2011/11/29/the-genius-of-antoni-gaudi-1852-1926/
Cheers
Alison
Curt Mekemson
Ah, Alice… lovely. I am so sorry Peggy an I were on the tight ship schedule. There was so much more to see and do in Barcelona. I loved Gaudi’s work. And you’re right. It is so hard to capture how truly magnificent Sagrada Familia is.
tocksin
Whose design was the crusifiction
Curt Mekemson
Gaudi, I believe.
tocksin
will have to see, that would be interesting, Thank you.
As an aside, i was there some twenty years ago; nothing like the colossal your photographs exhibit; especially the stained glass; my one goal now is to return to Barcelona.
Curt Mekemson
One of my goals as well. And to spend much more time.
Animalcouriers
What glorious photographs! Especially like the first one.
Curt Mekemson
Thanks. Sagrada Familia is as unique as it is beautiful. I felt the church was easily the equivalent of the great cathedrals of the Middle Ages.
Animalcouriers
It was certainly that when we last visited 20 years ago but it must be so much more so now it is nearing completion. Your shots make us need to visit again very soon indeed.
shoreacres
Absolutely extraordinary. When I glanced at the first two photos I thought of Richard Harris’ version of “MacArthur Park” – particularly, “someone left the cake out in the rain”. And lo – that very description has occurred to someone else.
There really isn’t anything more to say, except that I’d love to spend a day there myself, from sunrise to dark, just to see the light changing through the hours. It’s ethereal, surreal and whimsical – just marvelous.
Curt Mekemson
I certainly want to go back. We had limited time but devoted a healthy portion of what we had to the church. You walk in and just say, Ah.
Kenneth Merrick
Beautiful stuff. The leaning columns are special, just can’t argue with gravity. Realised upside down, now are right way round.
Curt Mekemson
I suspect seeing the church from standing on your head would also be impressive. (grin)
FeyGirl
Ah, one of my all-time favorites…. This is most definitely on my bucket list! How I would have LOVED to have met this man. 🙂 Beautiful!
Curt Mekemson
Me too, me too. On Friday I am going to reblog an article from two other of my WordPress friends that shows even more of his work.
free penny press
Yup.. you have definitely added Barcelona on my “must visit” list.. have to see if I can do a work/sightsee adventure next spring..
the photos are simply divine!
Anonymous
This is how churches should feel!!!! Incredible colors, light, heights, spirals, and more…..
Curt Mekemson
It certainly inspires a feeling of awe.
Sartenada
You have done excellent work. I love Your beautiful photos. We nearly visited it many years ago, but queues were too long. 🙂 Anyway, now I visited it thru Your stunning photos.
Thank You for this post – I enjoyed it very much.
Curt Mekemson
The Sagrada Famlia is truly one of the great works of modern art. A masterpiece. Glad you enjoyed the post. –Curt