Barcelona- La Sagrada Familia

Compared to Madrid, Barcelona has a completely different mood, style, culture and even language. Upon arrival I was shocked to hear the same amount of English as Spanish! Here in Barcelona they speak Catalan, the language of the state of Catalonia. It is very similar to Spanish in that I can read it without any problem, but I can hardly understand a single spoken word. The Catalonians are very proud of their language and culture to the point of rebellion and threats of secession from the Madrileña Spain. In fact there were some public protests going on while we were exploring one evening. Nevertheless, Barcelona is my favorite part of Spain (besides Madrid, of course). Barcelona has a very different mood compared to the places I’ve visited so far. Being a port city, the Mediterranean air made for very pleasant weather and fabulous seafood.

My favorite sight to see was the magnificent Sagrada Familia Basilica. Since there are hardly any skyscrapers in the city, the huge cathedral sticks out like a sore thumb—I mean the thing is impressive! A true Catalonian named Antoni Gaudí designed the Sagrada Familia although several other artists have contributed to the building. The work began in 1882 but is still unfinished due to funding problems and the Spanish Civil War. Almost all of the money used to fund the construction of the Cathedral nowadays comes from the entrance fee(s) that tourists pay. It is very obvious what parts of the cathedral are new and what parts are from the turn of the Century. Initially when I saw that it was still not completed I did what the typical Americans do-- I rolled my eyes in disgust at the slow process and looked to my watch thinking, “Isn’t about time you finished the thing? After all you started it over a hundred years ago!” However my tour guide showed me a very humbling point of view about the Spanish mindset towards the Sagrada Familia. “Who cares how long it takes?” he replied, “This building is a piece of living history. Artists, architects, craftsmen, designers and even construction workers all want to contribute to it. Who’s to say that only one generation can have this opportunity? We want to be a part of it and we want our children to be a part of it. Once it is finished it will be like any other Cathedral from Medieval times.” That being said, I now have a great respect for this work. It is “projected” to be finished in 2026.

 

Passion Facade

The outside, especially the entrance façade, is very, very, very ornate and symbolical about the history of Christ. The Nativity Façade was finished by the 1920s and was very unique. From the top to the bottom are the following scenes: Angel Gabriel visiting Mary and informing her about how she will bear the Son of God, the star on Bethlehem with angels rejoicing, and finally Joseph and Mary with the Christ child. Off to the left are the three Magi and to the right are the shepherds with their herd. What makes the Façade unique is that there are some modern details that are incorporated into the fine print. For instance two of the angels are playing instruments of our days such as a bassoon and a large harp. There are also carvings of animals found in the Americas like turkeys carved at the request of some wealthy donors.

On the opposite side of the Sagrada Familia is the Passion Façade, which completely contrasts the entrance. Another true Catalonian, Josep Maria Subirachs contributed the austere cubic sculptures that depict the suffering and Crucifixion of Christ. Although it was very controversial when it was completed I absolutely love it. I feel like the stark images really allow for a true depiction of the Crucifixion in a tasteful manner. Below the Passion Façade is a statue of Christ’s scourging with a loose stone on the top of the pillar. This is to signify that when the stone (representing the old Law of Moses) falls, there will be a new Law to replace it because of the Passion of Christ.

Peter weeping after denying Christ
three times before the cock crowed

Compared to the outside the inside is surprisingly simple. The Resurrection stained glass windows allow light to brilliantly illuminate the nave including the ceiling, which has colored glass tiles that reflect light all around, giving the impression of sunlight peeking through trees. Gaudí meant for the interior to be very simple and dedicated to the Resurrection to show that only those who truly believe can come inside and worship Christ because they already know the symbolisms, history and doctrines manifested on the exterior of the building.

Resurrection windows

Me in one of the Nativity towers

Although a ton of progress has been made in the past ten years, there is still an overwhelming amount of work that needs to be accomplished. The finished product will include 18 towers in total but I only counted 8 completed towers: 4 at the Nativity Façade and 4 at the Passion Façade. It will be a beautiful sight to see the towers rise within our lifetime as we witness the Spaniards take part of living history.