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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.

    Intricate Nativity Facade

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. 

Statue of Christ on the Passion Facade  

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.

Sagrada Familia Stained Glass Window    Side of the Passion Facade
    View from below the Passion Facade 
Nativity Facade with Apostle Towers  Unique Columns of Sagrada Familia 

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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