La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell
Antoni Gaudi, a distinguished Catalan architect from Spain, is famous for his works including La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. These works are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and La Sagrada Familia, his most famous, is the symbol of Barcelona. Clean lines, tile mosaics, vibrant colors, and stone masonry are common throughout his work.
La Sagrada Familia
During the 19th Century, Barcelona became a booming city due to the industrial revolution. Not only did this bring a mass influx of people to the city, but unsanitary conditions as well. The Eixample district, created to help increase the quality of life, is home to the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia. Also known as Basilica De La Sagrada Familia, it was created as a way for the Roman Catholic church to grow their spiritual influence on society.
Construction
In 1882, the first stones were laid and construction began. Antoni Gaudi, the lead architect, invested 43 years of his life, up until his death in 1926. Part of his dream is to make the basilica a link between heaven and earth, thus, wanting it to be the tallest building in Barcelona. La Sagrada Familia, inspired by medieval cathedrals and their vertical accomplishments, is 564 feet tall.
The Crypt
The crypt, a combination of artistic ingenuity and beauty, is below the main floor. Underneath the massive amount of weight of the basilica, it’s support is two concentric rows of large pillars. In addition to floral plant life, a ribbed roof, angels, and saints are just some of the decorations seen in here. Even better, your ticket for the basilica includes access to the crypt.
The Interior
The interior design of La Sagrada Familia is inspired by a mystical forest atmosphere. The 56 towering columns along with the vault, roof, and stained-glass windows mimics a forest with light shining through the trees. 14,000 people can fit inside and the organ consists of 1,492 tubes. Additionally, light diffusers and ceramic tile work are just some of the interior’s beautiful touches.
The Nativity and Passion Façades
Designed to help with illumination, these two façades face dawn and dusk. The Nativity façade is the side you will see upon entering and focuses on the triumph of life. Another interesting fact about this specific façade is that this is the only part of the basilica that Gaudi totally designed and that he got to see almost finished. Changes in the basilica’s design are made throughout the years, even after the unexpected death of Gaudi, however, his original plans are still used.
The Passion façade focuses on the representation of pain and is the side you will exit on. In fact, clean lines, Roman soldiers, conventicles, and animal statues are just some of its exquisite details. Bronze doors measuring 19 feet high are etched with the last two days of Jesus (the Passion). These doors mark the exit of the basilica.
The Towers
Religious constructions are distinguished by their size, particularly their height. During the Middle Ages, Gothic architects made an effort to make their structures more vertical. The basilica’s tower is made up of bell towers, cimborios towers, a cross and a pointed star. La Sagrada Familia has a height of 564 feet, making it the tallest religious building in the world. If you want to tour one of the towers (or both), there is an additional cost.
Christmas Market
During December, there is a Christmas Market outside La Sagrada Familia. Upon exiting, you will see the park lined with booths. Similar to the Barcelona Christmas market, clothing, food, trees, ornaments, and toys are some of the things you will see.
Park Guell
In 1900, Eusebi Guell, a Barcelona industrialist, enlists Antoni Gaudi with designing a park intending to bring people closer to nature. This park came to be Park Guell and is another one of Gaudi’s works in Barcelona (7 total). This garden city, built from 1900 to 1914, is filled with natural stone and ceramic decoration, tile mosaics, and has a large square that overlooks the city. I recommend buying tickets directly from the official website or in person. There are various companies online that also sell tickets but they are more expensive. https://parkguell.barcelona/en?q=en
The Main Entrance and Stairway
Park Guell has multiple entrances. The stairway is at the main entrance of the park. Similar to La Sagrada Familia, I have been to this park twice. The first time, pre-covid, there is no restricted movements. For example, I was able to enter and go up the steps straight to the overlook. In December 2022, the stairway is a controlled walkway and going down is the only direction allowed. Lastly, access to the overlook is from the hillside entrance only.
Hypostyle Hall
Above the stairway is Hypostyle Hall. This hall is an open space with its roof supported by a forest of round columns. These 86 columns are 20 feet high and 4 feet wide. The outside of the roof is decorated with 33 Gargoyle heads and mosaic tile designs. These heads not only serve a decorative purpose, but a practical one as well due to them being a waterduct for rain.
Main Square and Serpentine Bench
The main square is a huge look out point with views of the ocean and La Sagrada Familia. Serpentine Bench is a prime example of where art meets functionality. The bench and railing are decorated with colorful tile and the name Serpentine comes from the up and down curve of the railing. If you are at the park at opening time, 9:30, you will see the amazing sunrise from the overlook. Another perk to going in the morning is the park is less crowded.
Walking Paths
There are multiple routes throughout the park including the Washerwoman portico, upper viaduct and lower viaduct. These routes are on different sides of the park and connect to the hillside.
The Washerwoman Portico
The Washerwoman portico is a contention wall that has different types of columns, a ramp, and a grotto shaped vault. Located on the south side, this aesthetically pleasing 272-foot-long walkway consists of slanting walls and columns that look like palm trees.
Upper and Lower Viaducts
The upper and lower viaduct paths are on the east side and run from the main entrance to the park’s hillside. Similar to Washerwoman portico, they consist of rocky decoration with tree-like columns. Finally, as you walk through La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, take advantage of the amazing photo opportunities.
