The Sagrada Famlia ~ Barcelona to Do

The Sagrada Familia

What to do in Barcelona? The largest, still unfinished work of Gaudi is the Sagrada Familia cathedral, the last great work of Spanish Catholicism. It is not merely a church, but simultaneously ancient monument, symbol and collective creation.

The idea of building a church came from a rich bookseller whose dream was a huge basilica, where the rich and poor people can pray together.To complete it Gaudi estimated at least 200 years, but his grotesque death in a tram accident has not allowed to proceed as planned. When Gaudi was asked about the exceptionally long implementation, he supposedly said only: "My client is not in a hurry".Since then, architects and experts argue whether the construction according to the remaining plans may be completed, or just it would be a caricature of the original idea.

Therefore, a lot of people have the opinion, the Sagrada Familia should never be finished from symbolic reasons, because it's charms would be best showed by leaving it unfinished. (The most hopeless architectural project of the world will be completed for the centenary of Gaudi death in 2026.)The intended building is based on sketches of Gaudi since the original plans has been lost during the Civil War. In the end, there should be 12 towers, each of which representing an apostle - at the moment there are only 8.

The central dome will eventually have a tall tower with Jesus on it, accompanied by a Virgin Mary tower, and four additional ones for the four still lacking apostles.From the 3 main facades 2 have been already completed; the Southern according to the original plans of Gaudi, but the striking Northern facade has no direct influence of Gaudi.On the east side you can visit the top of one of the towers. But it is very narrow, and if you have claustrophobia, delete this part from your tour.

By the way, the interior of the church is an active place of construction. However, if you want to see, how to built a church, then it is a place for you to experience the dusty air. Whatever will be, one thing is sure, - sooner or later the dream of Master Gaudi will be realized.

Open daily:
October to March from 9am–6pm;
April to September from 9am–8pm;
Admission 8 €
Elevator - 2 €

The entire entrance fees as a donation go to the construction of the church. Recently was announced, a part of the Cathedral was opened for religious services in 2010.