Sagrada Familia

 Construction on the amazing and beautiful Sagrada Familia began on March 19th, 1882, by a diocesan architect named Franciso de Paula del Villar.  At the end of 1883, Gaudi was commissioned to carry out the work.  Since his death, in 1926, numerous architects have carried out the work on the original plans.  It continues to be built thru donations and is scheduled to be completed in 2026; 100 years after Gaudi passed away.  I told Eric that I would LOVE to return sometime after the completion to see the finished product!

Jesus, the carpenter with his parents

 The Nativity facade faces the East and depicts the birth and life of Jesus as depicted in the Gospels.  The detail on this facade is simply amazing.  It was the first facade to be completed.

 This facade has 3 porticos - faith, hope and charity

Can you spot the two little angels in this one?

 A tortoise sits at the base of two large columns separating the three porticos on this facade.  One represents land, and the other the sea; but both are symbols of time, something set in stone.  (Aunt Reine, we were definitely thinking of you!)

 Not many get to set foot inside Sagrada Familia, either due to construction or long lines.  We were very fortunate to get in and it was simply breathtaking.  The most stunning stained glass windows I have ever laid eyes on.  It is laid out like a Latin cross with five aisles.

At the head of the cross is Jesus

With Joseph on his left

And Mother Mary on His right

 Gaudi designed the columns to look like large trees.  There are four huge columns - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  The central nave vaults reach 150 ft high.  Impressive!!!

 The west facade depicts the Passion and death of Jesus.  Construction began in 1954 and it is much more plain than the Nativity facade.  It has clean cut lines said to resemble the bones of a skeleton.

 The church was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI on November 7, 2010.  Honest to goodness, this is one of the most amazing churches I have been blessed to set foot in.  To find out more about the symbolism, architecture, construction, etc please visit Sagrada Familia here