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TEMPLE EXPIATORI DE LA SAGRADA FAMILÍA
is the brainchild and
masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí,
Barcelona's celebrated artist and architect. Gaudí was born in
Barcelona in 1852, and he designed many of the noted buildings
around the city. He is noted for his flamboyant, art nouveau
style and for his use of curved lines.
Gaudí
started building this cathedral in 1884, and it still remained
unfinished at this time of his death in 1929. Today, his work
continues with all construction funds coming from donations.
In his plans for the cathedral, Gaudí envisioned a grand church with
facades depicting the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ.
The cathedral will have a total of 18 towers. Four towers on
each of the three facades will represent the Twelve Apostles.
Another four towers will represent the Four Evangelists, and the
last two towers represent Christ and the Virgin Mary. When it
is finished the Temple De La Sagrada Familía will be able to
accommodate 13,000 people. To date, two facades and eight towers
have been completed.
The nativity facade was finished by Gaudí himself. It is
decorated in baroque fashion and features motifs of animals and
plants. The facade faces east towards the rising sun and
celebrates the birth of Jesus and his life.
The passion facade was
started in 1954 and features sharp, austere statues which create a
sense of sobriety in its representation of the passion and death of
Christ.
Work on the cathedral
will continue until at least the mid-21st Century, but it has
already become Barcelona's most important landmark. It is a
definite must-see attraction for visitors. The intricate
sculptures in the facades are a true marvel to behold, and the
architecture of the structure is unlike any other cathedral you have
seen. The Temple De La Sagrada Familía
truly is a work of art that you cannot miss.
The Temple De La Sagrada Familía
is open every day of the year, 9am-6pm November through February;
9am-7pm in March, September, and October; 9am-8pm from April through
August.
CLICK HERE for a PANORAMA of Temple De La
Sagrada Familía
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