Sagrada Familia

Project History

The Sagrada Familia (Sagrada Familia) is a key architectural object and symbol of Barcelona, as well as a must-see on Barcelona tour routes. Construction of the temple, which began in 1882, has been ongoing for more than a century and a half.

In 1883, architect Antoni Gaudí took over the project. He dedicated more than forty years to the work on the cathedral, until his death in 1926. After Gaudí's death, the pace of work significantly slowed down. During the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), Gaudí's original plans, drawings, and plaster models were destroyed.

Construction was resumed in 1952. The current project represents a complex reconstruction of Gaudí's original vision, based on preserved fragments and historical documents.

Architecture and Engineering

Gaudí envisioned the cathedral as a "Bible in stone," where all elements have deep religious and symbolic meanings. The project includes eighteen towers, and the central dome of Christ will reach 160 meters, making the cathedral one of the tallest in the world. Gaudí avoided straight lines, using sturdy curved forms (hyperboloids and paraboloids) inspired by nature. The internal columns resemble branching stone trees, effectively distributing the load without external buttresses. The complex geometry of the vaults provides an abundance of natural light.

For calculations, Gaudí used inverted models (upside-down rope models). Today, 3D modeling and robotic stone cutting are applied.

As of today, the cathedral has two key contrasting facades:

• Nativity Facade (eastern): Almost completely finished during Gaudí's lifetime. It is characterized by an abundance of naturalistic sculptures and details symbolizing joy and life.
• Passion Facade (western): Created by sculptor José María Subirachs. This facade has strict, angular forms and is dedicated to the sufferings of Christ, consciously contrasting with Gaudí's soft style.

Funding

The Sagrada Familia project is funded exclusively through private donations and revenue from ticket sales. Thus, the flow of tourists directly affects the pace of construction.

Currently, work continues on completing the central elements, including the main dome. The symbolic date for completion is often mentioned as 2026 (the centenary of Gaudí's death), however, the official timelines remain subject to adjustments due to the complexity of the project and the need to apply advanced technologies.

The cathedral is open for visits, despite the construction. Visitors organizing their trip can explore the interior and accessible towers using a comfortable transfer from Barcelona Airport or the services of a private driver transfer from Barcelona Airport.