Guide to Barcelona

Sagrada Familia

Friday, 21 August 2009 11:49

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The Temple Expatorio de la Sagrada Familia, situated in the center of Barcelona, is one of the most famous symbols of the city. Visited by millions each year, its architecture and religious symbolism is often a focus of study.

Although the work is attributed to the inimitable Gaudi, the fact remains that it was started on March 19, 1882    by diocesan architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. It was not until the following year, 1883, that Gaudí was commissioned to continue the work that lasted until his death in 1926. Since then, several architects have continued the work following the original ideas of Gaudí.

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In common with all  Gaudís works, the Sagrada Familia stands out due to its originality and desire to overcome  traditional architectural patterns. He used geometric shapes selected for their formal qualities, structural, lighting, sound and constructive: hiperboloides, paraboloids, helicoid, conoid and ellipsoids.

Antoni Gaudí was aware he would not finish the whole temple. For this reason, he organised the project and construction so it could be continued after his death. HE programmed the construction so all the walls would not be built to the same level at the same time, but instead differetnt parts would be completed at a time, so each generation could be the protagonist of a section.

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