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Sagrada Familia (Barcelona - Spain)

The most visited Antoni Gaudi work in the whole of Barcelona is Sagrada Familia. Somehow my luck was weird! Wherever I go, some renovation work was happening, be it Windsor Castle, Florence Duomo, Pisa Cathedral, Casa Vicens, and here too! It is frustrating to be there but not see the exquisiteness of the place in its true glory, but only with cranes protruding from here & there or digitally printed flex of the original hung in front!!!!
Well, coming back to Sagrada Familia, the must-visit structure in Barcelona - its a huge Basilica, was built over a long period from 1883-1933, first under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano, then later under Antoni Gaudi. This is Gaudi's masterpiece and when he worked on this, he worked exclusively on this. Being a devout Christian, he dedicated himself completely to this, so much that when he died, his mortal remains were buried here. Unfortunately he didn't even see it get completed. 
There are 2 facades to the Church. The entry is through the Nativity Facade and the exit is through the Passion Facade. When I saw the Koekelberg Cathedral, that was the weirdest looking church that I had seen, but now, after looking at this, this ranks no. 1!!! 

The sculptural intricacy was so much like Indian temple sculptures with so so so much detailing!!! Unlike other Gaudi architecture which were just fluid shapes, this was a crazy mix of geometric shapes and fluid shapes. Perhaps because the prev architect Francisco designed a Gothic architecture which Gaudi converted as a Nouveau!

As you enter through the Nativity Facade it takes immense time to look into the sculptural detailing. It tells the whole story, right from the appearance of Gabriel to Virgin Mary, crowning of Virgin Mary, His birth, huge comet right atop Him, older shepherds holding him in the hand, younger shepherds seeing Him with awe, kids totally rejoiced with all smiles, the 3 wise men, celestial beings singing & playing musical instruments, turkeys & hens roaming about, escape to Egypt, Jesus as a toddler with Joseph, Jesus as a young carpenter - every tiny detail that you could think of, is there in stone, sculpted!!! Words are written in several places to denote who is who, incl Jesus!!!
I'm definitely have a strong feeling that Gaudi's original idea would have to somehow make the whole thing iridescent and colorful. I mean, remember his uber colorful designs in Casa Batllo? Compare these 2 and with the fact that the building was not completed before he died...
Guess what this is? Its the portal at the entrance. While most churches has celestial beings here, here's Gaudi's master mind and quirky self! Are they bats, leaves, shells?!!!

The doorway is split into 2 with a huge tree in between. Both the doors are filled with leaves and insects incl spiders, geckos, flies, butterflies, moths, ladybirds, grasshoppers etc. So when the doors are closed, the whole effect would look like one huge tree or rather a complete ecosystem! There's also a separate tree filled with doves!

While the entire sculptural detailing was fluid, the interiors was completely geometric. The pillars opens up to the ceiling like the branches of a tree, but just completely geometrical. The ceiling patterns are also completely geometrical.

The stained glass windows are again very unique. There aren't much of detailed painting, but are geometric but asymmetric glasses. The are 12 windows on either side, each window bringing in a color from green to violet on one side and from red to yellow on the other side.
This is the structure on either sides of the altar which leads to the tower. I don't know if its accessible for the public, but since restoration was happening when I went, it wasn't allowed. Even the ceiling of the crypt has a similar geometric feel to it.
The exit facade is where the Passion panel is. This isn't as detailed as the Nativity panel and its much less complicated and minimalist. The scenes here incl, His prayer, Him carrying the cross, and being crucified.

Again from outside, this is a spectre to see the 18 impeccable, gigantic, colorful towers - 1 representing Jesus, 1 representing Mary, 4 for the 4 gospels and 12 for the 12 apostles. All of these are covered with Gaudi's typical multicolored mosaic pieces! And don't miss the frail Jesus Christ ascending to Heaven between the 2 towers on either sides (1st pic of this post), in this facade.
Here's a tip: Buy the ticket online. There is no point standing in the queue there. When you buy online you choose a time slot and you have to get to the Nativity Facade at that time. If you're buying the ticket there, if its crowded, you might get the slot a couple hours later and that's exactly what happened with me. I ended up visiting every place twice, once to get the ticket and once to actually see the place!!!!

 My complete Barcelona Travelogue: Casa Battlo, Casa Mila & Casa Vicens, Sagrada Familia, Sant Pau Recinte Modernista

To Get There:
Nearest metro station: Sagrada Familia
Nearest bus stop: Av-Gaudi, Sardenya-Mallorca
Entry fee: €15.00 onwards (€1 off with Barcelona Card) 
Can be bought online on their website.

P.S: I was invited by Barcelona Turisme - Barcelona Card to experience the city for review purpose, however the opinions are my own and this post does not to advertise the product/service.

Bhushavali

An ardent traveler by passion. Being an ex - Art History Teacher, my area of interest especially lies in Nature and Heritage. Visited 85 UNESCO World Heritage sites as of June 2022. I've been listed among the Top 7 Women Travel Bloggers of India, Top 50 in UK. I have been interviewed in a couple of TV Shows, Radio Channels and Events as well. Read more about me and read the testimonials of different brands

41 comments:

  1. Travel inspirationFebruary 9, 2017 at 8:43 PM

    I found it difficult to get a great angle for a shot of the Sagrada Familia, it would be a great idea for someone to open a rooftop bar opposite wouldn't it! I didn't realize the detail in the building!!! Jesus and Joseph and so many stories! On any future trip to Barcelona I'll be back here checking out the detail, hopefully I'll find a great viewpoint too!

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  2. UnknownFebruary 9, 2017 at 9:53 PM

    When we visited Spain we could not see the entire country so we started in Madrid and went south so we could take in Gibraltar and have a day in Morocco, too. SOO want to see Barcelona and Guadi's work. Looks stunning! I'm wondering about the bats or the leaves...and what the kids would have to say. It is always so interesting to get their perspective.

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  3. Elena (@TravelingBytes)February 10, 2017 at 8:11 AM

    It is a true testament to Gaudi’s genius - no matter how many people write about Sagrada Familia it is still entertaining to read. Thank you for providing such mundane details as ticket prices and a link to the website to buy tickets. These small details really save lots of time. Happy travels!

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  4. L J LegendFebruary 10, 2017 at 9:03 AM

    You really captured the gothic look of the Sagrada Familia, I bet it was an experience to go inside as well? Thank you for the details and the link to the main site, this is on my list of places to visit, when I head to Barcelona.

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  5. DianaFebruary 10, 2017 at 9:30 AM

    It is really amazing how intricate the carvings are on the building. I feel a bit blasphemous saying this, but I am not personally a huge fan of Gaudi's work. It feels a bit overcrowded and messy to me, whereas I prefer clean lines. I actually liked the inside of the church better when I visited. And the little school house next to the church was pretty cool too. :)

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  6. NehaFebruary 10, 2017 at 9:54 AM

    You are right, the carvings on this church are so similar to Indian temples. I could immediately relate. And they are indeed unique to the church. I have not seen one like this anywhere so far

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  7. Sara EssopFebruary 10, 2017 at 6:22 PM

    The Sagrada Familia has such a unique design. It's instantly recognisable. I can understand your frustration about renovation work though. Although it needs to be done, it frustrates me too because I can't take good photos and I don't know if I'm ever going back there again.

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  8. JackieTaylorFebruary 10, 2017 at 7:32 PM

    such stunning architecture!!! When I was Barcelona I only got to see it from the outside because the lines were so long. The inside looks even more amazing! :)

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  9. Divya NFebruary 10, 2017 at 7:48 PM

    Like I told you this morning, Barcelona is now topmost on my must see list, I hope that I get to visit soon

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  10. UnknownFebruary 10, 2017 at 9:56 PM

    Spain is on my list too and especially sagrada familia, hope there is no construction work around that time :P and the portal at the entrance in splendid. Hope you to revisit soon and see it in full glory :)

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  11. UnknownFebruary 12, 2017 at 2:11 AM

    Beautiful photos of the details on those stone sculptures. So many lovely details, and I am still not sure if those are bats. I seem to have your luck, everything is constantly under scaffolding.

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  12. PunitaFebruary 12, 2017 at 6:58 PM

    The first time I saw a picture of Sagrada Familia, I thought it was ugly. But after seeing it upfront in Barcelona, and actually studying the details of its architecture, I'm fascinated by the creativity of Gaudi. A monument worth seeing.

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  13. Cliodhna RyanFebruary 12, 2017 at 7:33 PM

    The Sagrada Familia has always fascinated me. I have seen it numerous times but have never gotten up as close as your photos. It's so interesting to see the detailed scenes and to imagine the work that must have gone into them. You've made me want to go back again!

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  14. UnknownFebruary 12, 2017 at 9:22 PM

    I visited Barcelona last year and I was lucky enough to visit Sagrada Familia.
    It's definitely a grand piece of architecture and quite intricate
    Good job capturing it

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  15. Roy Cortez a.k.a. OtackoreFebruary 12, 2017 at 10:02 PM

    Similar to my recent travel, the commercial establishment of the place where I've been is halfway done (under construction).

    I'm very familiar with his name. As far as I can remember, Antoni Gaudi was tackled in our Cultural study back in my College days. You're lucky, you've experienced the place and saw his architectural art with your very own eyes.

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  16. UnknownFebruary 12, 2017 at 11:38 PM

    The Sagrada Familia is one of my favourite places in the world and I just find the building incredible. I've heard it is going to be finally finished this year which would be amazing.

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  17. kenjFebruary 13, 2017 at 1:46 AM

    I love photographs and architecture, there are a lot of angle you can capture. I hope I could visit Sagrada Familia.

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  18. UnknownFebruary 13, 2017 at 2:59 AM

    Thank you for bringing back wonderful memories. I have also been to Sagrada Familia it is on my must see while I was in Spain. Great Photos.

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  19. Gokul RajFebruary 13, 2017 at 10:33 AM

    Really blown away by the architecture, the sculptures are well detailed. That is a nice piece of history for the day. Totally worth reading.

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  20. HendrikFebruary 13, 2017 at 1:40 PM

    Finally I see the Sagrada from inside :)
    I have been a couple of times in Barcelona but never made it into this fascinating building, since the queues were for me waaaay to long... But I see it is even more impressive to be inside. Great inspiration, next time I am in Barcelona I will take the time to check out!

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  21. SarahFebruary 13, 2017 at 2:21 PM

    Yes, crazy detailing, indeed! Much like how Gaudi's artistic mind really is. :) Do you know when they'll finish the renovation of the church? I was there years ago when they just started it and it seems that it's nowhere near over? :D

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  22. ArianeFebruary 13, 2017 at 3:32 PM

    Wow, I love the sagrada falilia and Gaudi's work... especially if you think of how long this site is under construction. It's a very impressive building.

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  23. FrancFebruary 13, 2017 at 8:26 PM

    My friend just came from Spain and I can see their photo at Sagrada. It's a really unique structure and also really beautiful.

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  24. TomFebruary 13, 2017 at 11:41 PM

    This is the first article I've seen on the Sagrada Familia that emphasizes how intricate the carvings and sculptures are (and provides tons of photos). Everyone else stresses the design and overall architecture but it's neat to see the little details, to know that the place wasn't just a grand vision.

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  25. Tom @ Adventurous TravelsFebruary 14, 2017 at 4:08 AM

    Sagrada Familia is an interesting site to see indeed. I went there in winter and it was so freezing. And I seem to have similar luck with the monuments being renovated ;) Great post and photos, the only issue I have is the entry fee - 15 EUR is way too much to enter a church...

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  26. AmeFebruary 14, 2017 at 9:29 AM

    Too bad Gaudi died before seeing his masterpiece completed, but i guess a good piece of art is never truly completed in the eyes of the creator. I love Sagrada Familia because it's different from all that you get to see. Thanks for reminding me about my trip there :).

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  27. Stephanie FoxFebruary 14, 2017 at 3:13 PM

    The detail on this is really incredible, youve captured it so well. Im hoping to visit later in the year and this has got me really looking forward to it!

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  28. The Graceful MistFebruary 14, 2017 at 5:20 PM

    Spain has such beautiful architectures and churches. The Philippines also has beautiful churches most likely because of the Spain`s occupation in the Philippines.

    ❀ Grace ❀

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  29. TraveleretteFebruary 14, 2017 at 5:31 PM

    Your photos are beautiful! I loved visiting the Sagrada Familia when I was in Barcelona. It's very interesting to read about more details, like the birds and creatures at the entrance and the labels for the Biblical figures on the walls. I think it makes sense that the Passion side would not be as elaborate as the Nativity side too.

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  30. filipokieFebruary 14, 2017 at 9:48 PM

    Such beautiful photos of the Sagrada Familia! I remember visiting years ago but I loved reading about your details in depth!

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  31. giospyFebruary 15, 2017 at 12:01 AM

    It must be so hard to fit the entire building in your frame! You need an ultra wide lens in order to do that. It must be enormous as I can say from your pics. I like the facts that you give about the cathedral and having many photos!

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  32. VaisakhiFebruary 15, 2017 at 1:45 AM

    Such detailing! The church is an absolute gothic wonder! One of the must see places of Barcelona :D

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  33. MartaFebruary 16, 2017 at 5:32 AM

    Yeah! I live in Barcelona, you attention to detail is great! I need to go again to Sagrada Familia to check out the new parts :)

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  34. UnknownFebruary 16, 2017 at 9:13 AM

    I have heard a lot but unfortunately haven't been able to make a visit yet. I like the details that are presented in this post.

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  35. UnknownFebruary 16, 2017 at 12:18 PM

    So much detail! I cannot imagine the work that went into this art! Too bad he did not live to see the completion. The geometric designs are quite extraordinary, but the stories told through the art seem mesmerizing. I could spend hours there. Too bad there was construction when you went!

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  36. UnknownFebruary 16, 2017 at 11:15 PM

    i have sent so many people here when i make a itinerary to Barcelona for my clients and i really like this place so offer to every client. But never seen so much beautiful photos. Here all these photos making me love more this place.

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  37. Mommy RoxiFebruary 17, 2017 at 12:35 PM

    Just stunning! I'd love to visit and just admire the architecture. I really appreciate these places, especially when they are kept very well taken care of for generations to come.

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  38. CarolaFebruary 18, 2017 at 1:44 PM

    Hi B,
    I think the Sagrada Familia is slated to be finally finished in 2020. So all the more reason to come back ;-)

    Happy continued travels!

    C

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  39. chieraFebruary 19, 2017 at 5:48 PM

    This is so interesting! the mixture of the two architects styles! Would be very cool to see.

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  40. AnonymousFebruary 22, 2017 at 8:43 AM

    I last visited the sagrada familiar about 8 or 9 years ago and there was still a lot of scaffolding up. It looks so much more finished than last time I was there. I will be visiting Barcelona again in June so I will have to visit again and see the difference. Such beautiful architecture.

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  41. YuktiNovember 21, 2017 at 6:58 PM

    Beautiful pictures of Sagrada Familia and it is a gem of Spain. I can say same pinch to you because wherever I also go, renovation works starts and some points are blocked for entry. The intricacy in the works of exterior part of this cathederal is photogenic. Even the stained glass windows too. At the portal entrance carvings, I can figure some lizards also.

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