Sagrada Família facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Basílica de la Sagrada Família |
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Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família
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Sagrada Família in 2024
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Catholic |
| District | Barcelona |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Minor basilica |
| Leadership | Juan José Cardinal Omella, Archbishop of Barcelona |
| Year consecrated | 7 November 2010 by Benedict XVI |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Barcelona, Spain |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Antoni Gaudí and Francisco de Paula del Villar |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival and Art Nouveau and Modernista |
| General contractor | Construction Board of La Sagrada Família Foundation |
| Groundbreaking | 19 March 1882 |
| Completed | construction ongoing |
| Specifications | |
| Direction of façade | Southeast |
| Capacity | 9,000 |
| Length | 90 m (300 ft) |
| Width | 60 m (200 ft) |
| Width (nave) | 45 m (150 ft) |
| Spire(s) | 18 (13 already built) |
| Spire height | 170 m (560 ft) (planned) |
| Materials | The main material used is stone. |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| Official name | Nativity Façade and Crypt of the Basílica de la Sagrada Família |
| Part of | Works of Antoni Gaudí |
| Criteria | Cultural: (i), (ii), (iv) |
| Inscription | 1984 (8th Session) |
| Extensions | 2005 (29th session: addition of items 320-004 to 320-007) |
| Type: | Non-movable |
| Criteria: | Monument |
| Designated: | 24 July 1969 |
| Reference #: | RI-51-0003813 |
The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, also known as Sagrada Família, is a huge church being built in Barcelona, Spain. It is the biggest unfinished Catholic church in the world. The famous architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) designed it. In 2005, parts of his work on Sagrada Família became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On November 7, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI made the church a minor basilica.
Building the Sagrada Família started on March 19, 1882, with architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. In 1883, Villar left, and Gaudí took over. He changed the design a lot, mixing Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. Gaudí spent the rest of his life working on the church. He is even buried there. When he died in 1926, less than a quarter of the church was finished.
The construction of Sagrada Família relies only on private donations. It went slowly and stopped during the Spanish Civil War. In 1936, some people set fire to the crypt and workshop, destroying some of Gaudí's original plans. Work started again in the 1950s. New technologies like computer design have made building faster. In 2010, the project was more than halfway done. People hope it will be finished by 2026, which is 100 years after Gaudí's death. However, some parts, like sculptures and a new stairway, might take until 2034.
Many people think Sagrada Família is unique. Art critic Rainer Zerbst said it's "probably impossible to find a church building anything like it in the entire history of art." The basilica is not the main church of Barcelona; that is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia.
History of the Sagrada Família
How the Church Began
The idea for Sagrada Família came from a bookseller named José María Bocabella. He founded a group called the Spiritual Association of Devotees of St. Joseph. After visiting the Vatican in 1872, Bocabella wanted to build a church like one he saw in Italy.
Construction started on March 19, 1882, with architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. He designed a typical Gothic revival church. Villar left in 1883, and Antoni Gaudí took over. Gaudí completely changed the design, making it his own unique style.
Building in the 20th Century
Gaudí once said about the long building time, "My client is not in a hurry." When Gaudí died in 1926, only about 15 to 25 percent of the basilica was complete. After his death, his student Domènec Sugrañes i Gras continued the work.
Building stopped during the Spanish Civil War in 1936. Parts of the church and Gaudí's workshop were damaged or destroyed. The current design uses reconstructed plans and modern ideas. Since 1940, several architects have continued the work. In the 1980s, computers started being used for design and construction.
Building in the 21st Century
The main ceiling of the church was finished in 2000. Since then, workers have focused on building the central parts and the main entrance. In 2002, the Sagrada Família Schools building was moved. Gaudí designed this school in 1909 for the children of the construction workers.
By 2006, work was focused on the main steeple for Jesus Christ. Computer-aided design (CAD) technology now allows stone to be shaped by machines. Before, all the stone was carved by hand.
Since 2013, high-speed trains have passed near Sagrada Família through a tunnel. Building this tunnel was a bit controversial. Some engineers and architects worried it might affect the church's stability. However, the tunnel was opened in 2013, and special materials help to reduce vibrations.
The main part of the church was covered in 2010, and an organ was installed. This allowed the church to be used for religious services, even though it was still unfinished. Pope Benedict XVI officially dedicated the church on November 7, 2010. Thousands of people attended the ceremony.
In 2012, Jordi Faulí i Oller became the main architect. In 2015, he announced that construction was 70 percent complete. The goal is to finish the main steeples and structure by 2026. Money from visitor tickets helps pay for the building work.
Since 2017, an international mass is held every Sunday at 9 a.m. It is open to the public. The stone for the church now comes from England, as the original quarry in Montserrat became too fragile.
- Historical photographs of Sagrada Família
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1905
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1915
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1930. Aerial photograph by Walter Mittelholzer, ETH-Bibliothek.
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Base of the Christ steeple under construction (2009)
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2019
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Recent Events at the Church
On April 19, 2011, a small fire started in the sacristy. Tourists and workers had to leave. The fire was put out in 45 minutes.
On March 11, 2020, construction stopped, and the church closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. This was the first time work had stopped since the Spanish Civil War. The church reopened on July 4, 2020.
In November 2021, a large, glowing star was placed on top of the Virgin Mary tower. It is 7 meters (23 feet) tall. Some local people are worried about plans for a huge stairway to the main entrance. This stairway might require tearing down three city blocks, affecting many homes and businesses.
Design of the Sagrada Família
The Sagrada Família's style is often compared to Spanish Late Gothic, Catalan Modernism, or Art Nouveau. Gaudí's unique style was inspired mostly by nature.
The Church Plan
Sagrada Família was designed to be a very large building, similar in size to a cathedral. Its layout is like other Spanish cathedrals. It has a main area, side aisles, and many steeples. There are three main entrances, called façades. An unusual part of the design is a covered walkway that goes around the church. Inside and outside, there are almost no perfect straight lines or right angles.
The Spires
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Gaudí's original plan included 18 spires. These spires represent important figures: the Twelve Apostles, the four Evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ. As of 2023, 13 spires have been finished.
The Evangelists' spires have sculptures of their symbols: a winged bull (for Saint Luke), a winged man (for Saint Matthew), an eagle (for Saint John), and a winged lion (for Saint Mark). The tallest spire, for Jesus Christ, will have a giant cross on top. It will be 172.5 meters (566 feet) tall. This is a bit shorter than Montjuïc hill in Barcelona, because Gaudí believed his work should not be taller than God's creation.
When the Jesus Christ spire is finished, Sagrada Família will be the tallest church building in the world. It will be 11 meters (36 feet) taller than the current tallest, Ulm Minster.
The Façades
The church will have three grand façades, or main entrances: the Nativity façade (east), the Passion façade (west), and the Glory façade (south).
The Nativity façade was built first and shows Gaudí's style the most. The Passion façade was built later and has a more stark design. The Glory façade is still being built and will be the largest.
Nativity Façade
This façade was built between 1893 and 1936. It is dedicated to the birth of Jesus. It has many detailed sculptures of nature, like animals and plants. Each sculpture has a special meaning. For example, turtles at the base of columns represent time. Chameleons symbolize change.
The Nativity façade faces the rising sun, symbolizing Christ's birth. It has three main doorways, each representing a virtue: Hope, Faith, and Charity. A "Tree of Life" rises above the Charity door. Four steeples on this façade are dedicated to different Saints.
Gaudí wanted this façade to be colorful, with every statue painted. He wanted it to look alive. He chose this façade to be built first because he thought it was the most beautiful and welcoming. He knew he wouldn't finish the whole church, so he wanted to set an example for future builders. Some statues were damaged in 1936 and later rebuilt by Japanese artist Etsuro Sotoo.
Passion Façade
Unlike the detailed Nativity Façade, the Passion Façade is simple and stark. It has bare stone and sharp, straight lines, looking like bones. It shows the suffering of Jesus during his crucifixion. Construction began in 1954, following Gaudí's plans. The steeples were finished in 1976.
A team of sculptors, led by Josep Maria Subirachs, started working on the scenes in 1987. They made the figures rigid and angular to create a dramatic effect. Gaudí wanted this façade to make people feel awe and seriousness. He used strong shadows and light to show the harshness of Christ's sacrifice.
This façade faces the setting sun, symbolizing Christ's death. It has six large, slanting columns that look like strained muscles. Above them is a pyramid-shaped top with bone-like columns and a large cross. Four steeples are dedicated to apostles. There are three doorways, also representing virtues, but in a more serious way.
The sculptures tell the story of Jesus's last days. The lowest level shows scenes like the Last Supper and the Kiss of Judas. The middle level shows Christ's journey to the cross. The top level shows his death, burial, and Resurrection of Christ. A bronze figure connects two steeples, showing the Ascension of Jesus.
Glory Façade
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Model of the completed Temple. The Glory Façade is on the foreground.
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Model showing the entrance as wished by Gaudí "Lead us not into temptation".
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Ground model, showing Carrer de Mallorca running underground.
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Glory Façade under construction in 2016
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The Glory Façade from inside
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Drawing of the façade, once exposed on site
The Glory Façade will be the largest and most impressive. Construction started in 2002. It will be the main entrance and will show the path to God: Death, Final Judgment, and Glory. It will also show Hell for those who do not follow God's will. Gaudí made a model for this façade, but it was destroyed in 1936. Its pieces are used to guide the current design.
To reach the Glory Portico, there will be a large staircase. This staircase will go over an underground passage. This passage will be decorated with symbols of Hell and bad deeds. The portico will have seven large columns, each for a gift of the Holy Spirit. At the bottom of the columns, there will be symbols of the seven deadly sins. At the top, there will be symbols of the seven heavenly virtues.
This façade will have five doors, with the central one having a triple entrance. This makes a total of seven doors, representing the seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Holy Orders, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick.
In 2008, the doors of the Glory façade were installed. They have words from the Our Father prayer. The central doors say "Give us our daily bread" in 50 different languages. The door handles are the letters "A" and "G" for Antoni Gaudí.
Inside the Church
- Interior of Sagrada Família
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Standing in the transept and looking northeast
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Detail of the ceiling in the nave. Gaudí designed the columns to resemble trees and branches.
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The nave
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Ceiling of the apse (before installation of the stained-glass windows)
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Ceiling and columns of the nave
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The church's main area has five aisles. The central ceiling reaches 45 meters (148 feet) high. The side ceilings are 30 meters (98 feet) high. The columns inside are a special Gaudí design. They branch out like trees to support the roof. Their surfaces change shape as they go up, from a square base to an octagon, then a 16-sided shape, and finally a circle.
Almost none of the inside surfaces are flat. The decorations are rich and detailed, with smooth curves and sharp points. Even the iron railings have curvy designs.
The Organ
In 2010, an organ was installed in the church. It has 26 stops and 1,492 pipes. Because the church is so big, more organs will be added in different places. When finished, all the organs together will have about 8,000 pipes.
Geometric Shapes in Design
The tops of the Nativity façade steeples have geometric shapes. Gaudí's unique style was inspired by nature. He used special shapes called hyperboloids in his later designs. These shapes add strength to the cypress tree sculpture and are on top of the bishop's hat-shaped spires.
Symbolism in the Church
Many parts of the church's decoration include words from religious texts. The steeples have words like "Hosanna" and "Sanctus." The doors of the Passion façade show parts of Jesus's suffering from the New Testament in different languages. The Glory façade will have words from the Apostles' Creed. Its main door will show the entire Lord's Prayer in Catalan, surrounded by "Give us this day our daily bread" in many languages.
The three entrances represent Faith, Hope, and Love. Each entrance is also about a part of Christ's life. The Nativity Façade is about his birth. The Glory Façade is about his glory. The Passion Façade is about his suffering.
Burials at the Church
- Josep Maria Bocabella
- Antoni Gaudí
What People Think of Sagrada Família
Art historian Nikolaus Pevsner once said Gaudí's buildings grew "like sugar loaves and anthills." He described the use of broken pottery as decoration as possibly "bad taste" but also very lively and bold.
Other architects generally liked Gaudí's work. Louis Sullivan called Sagrada Família "the greatest piece of creative architecture." Walter Gropius praised its "technical perfection." The church's unique shape has become a symbol of Barcelona. About 3 million visitors come to see it every year.
World Heritage Status
In 1984, UNESCO recognized some of Gaudí's buildings in Barcelona as World Heritage Sites. This was because of Gaudí's amazing contribution to architecture. In 2005, UNESCO added two specific parts of Sagrada Família to this list: the Crypt and the Nativity façade.
Visiting the Sagrada Família
Visitors can explore the main area, the crypt, the museum, and the gift shop. You can also visit the Passion and Nativity steeples. To go up the steeples, you need to book tickets in advance. You go up by elevator and then walk a short distance. To come down, you use a very narrow spiral staircase with over 300 steps. There are warnings for people with health conditions.
You can buy tickets online.
International Masses
The Archdiocese of Barcelona holds an international mass at the Sagrada Família every Sunday and on special holy days.
- Date and time: Every Sunday and on holy days at 9 a.m.
- There is no cost to attend, but space is limited.
- Visitors should dress respectfully.
Funding and Building Permit
The Sagrada Família's construction is not paid for by the government or the church. Early on, private supporters funded it. Now, money from tourist tickets pays for most of the work. Private donations are also accepted.
In 2018, the church agreed to pay Barcelona city authorities €36 million for a building permit. This was after 136 years of building without one! Most of this money will be used to improve access between the church and the Barcelona Metro. The city officially gave the permit on June 7, 2019.
See also
In Spanish: Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia para niños
- List of Catholic basilicas
- List of Gaudí buildings
- List of Modernista buildings in Barcelona
- Sagrada Família (Barcelona Metro)
- Pantheon, Rome
