TRAVEL SPAIN

" La Sagrada Familia " the church of the holy family is nestled in the heart of old Barcelona and is much an icon to this historic city as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris or Big Ben is to London. It is visited by millions of people each year for many reasons including its architectural and religious value.

Work commenced on the church of La Sagrada Famlia on 19 March 1882 from a grand project by the diocesan architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. The famous son of Spain, Gaud was commissioned to carry on the works at the end of 1883, a task which he continued until his death in 1926. Gaudis original ideas have been continued since his death by many different architects.

Unlike many churches in Spain thankfully the Sagrada Familia survived the Spanish civil war.

It has always been an expiatory church, which means that since its beginnings back some 125 years ago , it has been built from donations. Gaud himself said: "The expiatory church of La Sagrada Famlia is made by the people and is mirrored in them. It is a work that is in the hands of God and the will of the people."

It is a combination of Modernist elements and a unique version of the Gothic style seen primarily in its height, use of rose windows and arches, triple portals, and architectural sculpture.

As anyone knows who has visited the church the building continues to this day, with local laborers turning up on a daily basis, in fact it is the only church of this type anywhere in the world. Hopefully though it is planed that the interior coating will be finished by 2010 with the completion of the church due in 2025.

Gary

A Travel Guide to Spain