The construction of one of the most astonishing cathedrals in the world, Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, started over 130 years ago and it still hasn’t been finished. The project of the construction began in 1882 and nobody thought that this building would take so much time to be finished. At that time, Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi took over the project and redesigned the original Neo-Gothic style and changed it into a much more exciting project which would become a project the world had never seen before. Gaudi devoted his whole life to this magnificent building.

First setback

Unfortunately, Antoni Gaudi died in 1926 and that’s when the first setback for this project occurred. By that time, the whole tower had been built, as well as the crypt, the apse walls, and a portal.

Second setback

Ten years later, another setback happened due to vandalism following the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. During that time many of Gaudi’s models were broken because people and architects could not understand Gaudi’s vision. 

Third setback

The final setback happened in 2011 when the sacristy was destroyed in a fire.

Hope for the future

Regarding the exterior, the cathedral, when completed, will have 3 main facades 2 of which have already been built – the Passion façade and the Nativity façade. The Glory façade, the construction of which began in 2002, is the only one left to be completed. The Nativity façade was created mostly by Gaudi himself and the Passion façade’s “tortured figures” were made by Josep Maria Subirachs. These figures have often been criticized because they do not look frightening the way Gaudi wanted them to be.  

The interior of the cathedral features huge columns stretching toward the ceiling. According to Gaudi’s plan, 18 spires, 8 of which have been completed, numerous towers, chapels, portals, and other elements are yet to be finished. When finished, the tallest spire will represent Jesus Christ and it will make Sagrada Familia the tallest cathedral in the world. The whole cathedral is expected to be finished by 2026, but it already attracts around 2.8 million visitors per year.

The best time to visit Sagrada Familia

If you choose to visit Sagrada Familia you should go there early in the morning or late in the afternoon. That is when the windows reflect sun rays in the most beautiful way making the cathedral full of amazing colors. This cathedral is very busy, so you should order your tickets online to avoid waiting in line to get in. If you are in Barcelona or somewhere on the way, you should order your tickets right now so that you can enjoy your time in this amazing building to the fullest.