Are you a fan of Gaudí’s work? The Sagrada Familia is with no doubts the most popular work of Gaudí and one of the most representative for Modernism worldwide. But, what do you know about the temple of Sagrada Familia? Did you know that Gaudí only was able to see finalized the first part of it? Or, for example, that once it is finished, the great cathedral will count on 18 towers, from which 12 –the shorter ones- will represent the Apostles..
If you are not familiar with these details, let us surprise you from Hostemplo with all kind of anecdotes, stories and curiosities about Gaudí’s most iconic work. Did you know that every single element of the Sagrada Familia has a particular meaning? And not only that, they all have a common objective too, the unification of the catholic faith within an only temple. That is why it is said that this architectural work represents a bible made out of stone. Take good note! Let us also remind you that if you want to be really close to the architectural wonder, you can stay at our hotel, rooms and/or apartments. Don’t you know yet were we are?
1. IT IS THE MOST VISITED MONUMENT IN SPAIN:
As you already know, the Sagrada Familia is locate in l’Eixample, in Barcelona, the district were the main modernist works in the city are, like: La Pedrera, Casa Batlló among others that we already referred in our article: Gaudí Barcelona: discover 9 of its wonders. Despite the heavy concurrence in the same district, the temple is the most visited monument in Spain, breaking its own record every year, close to 3 million visitors per year. So, from Hostemplo, we recommend you to purchase your tickets in advance or online.
2. ABOUT THE NATIVITY FAÇADE:
The Sagrada Familia counts on three portals dedicated to the three Christian virtues: faith, hope and charity. Apart from Jesus’ genealogy and the representation of the ages of man through the three Wise Men, there are also, as distinctive traits, two turtles, a sea one and a land one, as a gesture to Chinese culture, that stands for the balance of the cosmos. Surprised?
3. IT IS AN EXPIATORY TEMPLE
You may not have heard it, but Sagrada Familia was also called Expiatory Temple, as its construction has taken place funded by multiple, diverse and substantial donations.
4. WHAT DO THE TOWERS SYMBOLIZE?
No matter if you are from Barcelona or not, it is difficult to imagine the temple without cranes around it. This is due to the particular towers of the temple. Did you know that Gaudí planned up to 18 towers for Barcelona’s great cathedral? – 12 of them the shorter ones, representing the Apostles- distributed in three blocks of 4 towers each, that is, one set at each façade. The highest tower is 170 meters and will be the one holding the cross, which is currently under construction. Have a look at the amazing video above!
5. IT WAS A VICTIM OF THE CIVIL WAR::
The Sagrada Familia did also undergo the Spanish Civil War indeed. One of the biggest damages suffered was the fire in the crypt, which destroyed mock-ups and plans of the temple.
6. WHEN IS IT PLANNED TO FINALIZE THE SAGRADA FAMILIA?
The construction of the Sagrada Familia started in 1882 by architect Antoni Gaudí. After his death (1926), nine generations of later architects have been responsible for continuing his work. Now, we already know what it will look like when it is finalized in 2026. As usual, there are controversies. Due to the way Gaudí used to work, plus the fire in the crypt in 1936 that we mentioned above, there are no plans, sketches or mock-ups left of what the temple should have been according to his creator. The later architects had to interpret the work and improvise. We will never know if the final designed in 2026 will be the one Gaudí imagined. There is no doubt, though, that it will be an unbeatable masterwork .
7. WANT MORE? ALL IN A BOOK: Opu Magnum of Gaudí
If all these curiosities were not enough for you, we recommend you the book Opu Magnum of Gaudí, where various experts will dive you into an endless number of secrets around the construction of the Sagrada Familia.
And, as we said before, if you feel like staying in a room overlooking the temple, come to Hostemplo! Remember, if you book on our web, you will get FREE breakfast for your first night. September is the perfect month to visit Barcelona: temperature cools down and the Mercè patron saint’s day celebrations approach. Pay attention to our blog, as in short we will recommend the best plans for la Mercè 2016.
