Every so often, I have an experience that gives me more feelings than I know what to do with, and many of these feelings I simply cannot put into words.
In these instances, I must concede that a flowery, romantic blog post will only serve to cheapen the experience rather than enhance it. In these instances, I’m grateful that I have my trusty camera to do the explaining for me.
My visit to La Sagrada Família, the famously unfinished church in the Eixample district of Barcelona, was one such instance.
So, today I’ve decided to spare you the inadequate adjectives, excessive adverbs and all otherwise ostentatious observations in order to allow you to feel your own feelings when laying eyes upon this masterpiece. Because it truly is a masterpiece–that part is no hyperbole.
But first, a little bit of objective history and a few interesting facts to tide you over until you can visit this architectural eccentricity for yourself.
Sagrada Família Fun Facts
- The full name of the church is La Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família. La Sagrada Família is just easier to say (at least for some).
- Construction began in 1882 under the architect Francisco de Villar in the Gothic style but was taken over by the young Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí in 1883; he was only 31 years old at the time. The church became his most important life work, and he dedicated himself to it until his death in the year 1926.
- Over the years, construction of the church was delayed for a number of reasons, including the Spanish civil war between 1936 and 1939, funding issues, strikes, and disagreement over the interpretation of Gaudí’s original plans which were all but destroyed by anarchists during the war (and have since been partially reconstructed).
- The church’s construction only just passed 50% completion in 2010. Optimistic reports claim it will be completely finished by the year 2026.
- Public opinion seems less optimistic. As opposed to our idioms like “when Hell freezes over,” or “when pigs fly,” Barcelona natives have been known to remark, “Sure—it’ll happen when Sagrada Família is finished.”
- Once completed, La Sagrada Família will be the world’s tallest church. It is often referred to as “the Cathedral” because of its grandiose nature, but it is not technically so, as it does not house a bishop.
- There’s a really ugly brown pond just in front of the façade pictured below, but I didn’t know it was there until my visit–probably because it’s disgusting to look at and no one ever photographs it.
My Top Tips for Visiting La Sagrada Familia
- Purchase your ticket online a few days in advance and skip the line!
- Pay a little extra for the guided tour, whether it’s a real person or an audio guide. You’ll miss out on too much information otherwise.
- It’s also worth a little extra money to go up into one of the spires to see the view of Barcelona from above.
- JUST GO. Sure, it’s touristy, but it’s absolutely worth it. You’ll never see another church like this in your life. For the love of Antoni Gaudí, don’t skip this attraction just because you don’t want to deal with the crowds.
La Sagrada Família was my favorite attraction in Barcelona. Have you been? Did you love it or hate it?
