| Sagrada Familia or the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia was begun in 1882 by public subscription. A year later Gaudí became director of the project, a post he would hold for more than 40 years until his death in 1926. After the completion of ParcGüell in 1911, he vowed that his architecture would not be devoted to secular aims. His commitment to this project is indicated as well by the fact that he lived in a studio on the site. "He was assisted by architects Berenguer, Rubió, Jujol, Canaleta and Ràfols, and in the last stage, by Sugrañes and Quintana; these last continued with the work after his death in 1926, until the towers of the Nativity facade were completed. After the Civil War, progress continued under Quintana, Puig i Boada and Bonet Garí, with the help of Bergós, Martinell and Dapena. In most recent decades, it has been Cardoner and Bonet Armengol assisted by architects Margarit, Buixadé and Gómez" (Carandell 87).
Work continued on the church based on Gaudí's general plan and studies. Unlike many churches, it survived during the Spanish Civil War, when many churches were burned; it was and is seen as a kind of symbol for the city of Barcelona. Although it is not the cathedral of Barcelona (which dates from the 13th century), it is sometimes called Barcelona's third cathedral. It is still unfinished today (note the cranes and scaffolding in various photographs below) and it is anybody's guess when it will be completed. It is a combination of Modernista elements and a unique version of the Gothic style--seen primarily in its height, use of rose windows and arches, triple portals, and architectural sculpture. | ||
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The facade of the NativityThe church has three facades, each with three porches. The Facade of the Nativity, seen here, was completed first. The three portals of this facade are related to the Christian themes of faith, hope, and charity. The iconography supports the central dogmas of the Catholic church. Although biographical events are depicted, they are not necessarily in chronological order since the themes are more important than any time sequence. See below for specific themes and incidents.Eight spires of a projected twelve have been completed. (The four of the Nativity facade were finished before Gaudí's death.) These towers rise to more than 100 meters and symbolize the twelve apostles. The names and statues of the apostles, seated on pedestals, appear on the towers. | |
The pinnaclesThe pinnacles at the tops of the towers are decorated with colorful mosaics with various textures. The words "Excelsis" and "Hosanna" are embedded in some of the pinnacles. |
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Left: Facade of the Nativity with its three portals; center: plant-inspired pinnacles; right: lower portion of the towers with "Sanctus" and the anagram for Christ's name (far right) | ||
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The Tree of LifeHigh up on the Nativity facade a spire with a cypress tree symbolizes the tree of life. A pelican at the foot of the tree symbolizes the Host and angels at the bottom hold chalices, a reminder of the Eucharist. At the top of the tree the letter T (or Tau) stands for God (as the first letter of God's name in the Greek alphabet). It is red with diagonal bars crossing it forming an X, representing Christ's name. A Dove at the top with outspread wings represents the Holy Spirit. Thus, the three persons of the Trinity are represented at the top of the tree of life. | ||
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Facade of the Nativity: Central Doorway--Door of Christian Love (or Charity) | ||
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The scene of the nativity is framed by six music-playing angels. The adoration of the Magi is depicted on the lower left-hand side while the adoration of the shepherds is on the right. Columns on each side of the central portal are topped with palm fronds. The bases (not shown) are a tortoise and a turtle, symbols of the stability of the cosmos. |
click picture above for labled version of scene |
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The Annunciation and the Coronation of the VirginAbove the Nativity scene in the central section are the annunciation (or incarnation) when the Word was made flesh and a scene in heaven when Jesus crowns Mary queen of Heaven. |
click picture above for labled version of scene |
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Center: The Coronation of the Virgin and the upper right section with the Immaculate Conception; right: detail of the CoronationThe Coronation scene takes place in a kind of cave with icicles; Joseph is also present--an unusual iconographic detail, indicating a new reverence for him.(See detail of the Immaculate Conception below.) |
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click picture above for labled version of scene | ||
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Facade of the Nativity: Right Doorway--Door of FaithScene of the Immaculate ConceptionAt the top above the right portal an important doctrine of the church is illustrated--the immaculate conception, a dogma emphasizing that Mary had been conceived by a virgin, her mother St. Anne, and iterated in "Hail Mary, full of grace, conceived without sin." | |
Facade of the Nativity: Right Doorway--Door of FaithThe sculptures above this portal depict the Sacred Heart, the Visitation by Mary to her cousin Elizabeth, the Holy Family in their house at Nazareth, the presentation of the baby Jesus in the temple, among other scenes and symbols. The trumpeter angels are apocalyptic. |
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click picture above for labled version of scene |
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