Explore Sagrada Familia: Inner and Outer Beauty

The Sagrada Família, officially known as the Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, is a monumental, unfinished Catholic church in Barcelona’s Eixample district. Initiated in 1882 under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, it became Antoni Gaudí’s lifelong project in 1883. Gaudí transformed the design, blending Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, and devoted his remaining years to its construction—leaving it less than a quarter complete at his death in 1926.

Funded entirely by private donations, the construction has progressed slowly, facing interruptions such as the Spanish Civil War, during which parts of Gaudí’s models were destroyed. Advances in technology, including computer-aided design, have accelerated progress, and in 2010, the church was consecrated as a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI. UNESCO recognized Gaudí’s contributions by including parts of the Sagrada Família in its World Heritage Site listing of his works.

The basilica is renowned for its intricate facades: the ornate Nativity Façade celebrating Christ’s birth, the austere Passion Façade depicting his suffering, and the still-under-construction Glory Façade symbolizing the road to God. Inside, visitors are awed by its organic, tree-like columns, vibrant stained-glass windows, and a design that creates a unique play of light and space. With its ongoing construction and ambitious design—featuring multiple spires and a rich tapestry of symbolism—the Sagrada Família remains both an architectural marvel and a living testament to Gaudí’s visionary genius, drawing millions of visitors each year.