La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is a large roman catholic church located in Barcelona, Spain, designed by a Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi.  Although it is still incomplete, the church is a UNESCO world heritage site, considered a  minor Basilla by Pope Benedict XVI.  The construction of Sagrada Familia began in 1882, where Gaudi became involved in 1883, where he took over the project, transforming it with his architectural and engineering style by combining Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms.  

Gaudi devoted his last years to this project, and at the time of his death at the age of 73 in 1926, less than a quarter of the project was complete.  Its construction has progressed slowly, as it relied on private donations and was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War, only to resume intermittent progress in the 1950s.  Construction only passed the midpoint in 2010, with some of the projects greatest challenged still remaining, with an anticipated completion date of 2026.  

Upon arrival to Barcelona, this was the first place that I wanted to visit.  When I would see pictures online on social media websites of students from previous years, I knew that this was gonna be an experience that I would never forget. The first time that I went to Sagrada familia the line was down the block and around the corner, at least a 30-45 minute wait to get into church.  The second time I went, I had the same problem.  The third time I visited, I was told that you can buy and print the tickets for a specific time to go inside, without waiting on a line. I couldn't even imagine what the inside of the church was going to look like.  Upon entering, my mouth dropped. It was nothing like I imagined.  By looking up at the ceiling, you are able to picture exactly what Gaudi had put in his plans. He designed the roof to look like trees and branches.  The details at the top of the nave are impecable. Every detail was incredibly well thought out, and you tell just by looking at this church from the outside.  The stain glass windows also reflect the sun light into the church allowing it the brighten on the inside. This church was something remarkable.  Its size, modernism, its beauty, all are incredibly breathtaking. The most interesting aspect of this church, is that Gaudi is buried on the bottom floor. This is not an area that the public is allowed to enter, but are able to see from a distance.  This is by far one of the most amazing sites in Barcelona, and something that shouldn't be missed out on.  Its history and relevance to the world is amazing.  I would definitely recommend a visit to this masterpiece.