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TEMPLE EXPIATORI DE LA SAGRADA FAMIL�A
is the brainchild and
masterpiece of Antoni Gaud�,
Barcelona's celebrated artist and architect.� Gaud� 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.�
Gaud�
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, Gaud� 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 Famil�a will be able to
accommodate 13,000 people. To date, two facades and eight towers
have been completed.�
The nativity facade was finished by Gaud� 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.
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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.�
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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 Famil�a
truly is a work of art that you cannot miss.
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The Temple De La Sagrada Famil�a
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 Famil�a
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