Page 172 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

170  BARCEL ONA

6 Sagrada Família

Europe’s most unconventional church, the Temple Expiatori de
la Sagrada Família, is an emblem of a city that likes to think of
itself as individualistic. Crammed with symbolism inspired by
nature and striving for originality, it is Gaudí’s (see pp144–5)
greatest work. In 1883, a year after work had begun on a Neo-
Gothic church on the site, the task of completing it was given
to Gaudí, who changed everything, extemporizing as he went
along. It became his life’s work and he lived like a recluse on
the site for 14 years. He is buried in the crypt. At his death,
only one tower on the Nativity façade had been completed,
but work resumed after the Civil War and several more have
since been finished to his original plans. Work continues Bell Towers
today, financed by public subscription. Eight of the 12 spires, one
for each apostle, have been
built. Each is topped by
Venetian mosaics.
The Finished Church
Gaudí’s initial ambitions have been
kept over the years, using various
new technologies to achieve his
vision. Still to come is the
central tower, which is to
be encircled by four large
towers representing the
Evangelists. Four towers
on the Glory (south)
façade will match the
existing four on the
Passion (west) and
Nativity (east) façades.
An ambulatory – like
an inside-out cloister –
will run round the out-
side of the building.

. Passion Façade
This bleak façade was completed
from 1986 to 2000 by artist Josep
Maria Subirachs. A controversial
work, its sculpted figures are Main entrance
angular and often sinister.

For hotels and restaurants in this area see pp564–5 and pp586–8

170-171_EW_Spain.indd 170 26/09/17 11:01 am