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The 5 curiosities you may not know about the Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia is a minor Spanish basilica of Catholic worship located in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. Universally known as one of the most beautiful churches in the world, it is an architectural work whose main author is Antoni Gaudí.
Built in the so-called Catalan modernism (a kind of Art Nouveau that was very much in vogue in the capital of Catalonia at the time), it is visited by some 4.5 million people every year.
Many curiosities hover around the unfinished masterpiece by Gaudí, who died before completing his ambitious project.
Di Canaan - Opera propria, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=113178605
Sagrada Familia: curiosities and mysteries
The Sagrada Familia is a minor Spanish basilica of Catholic worship located in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. Universally known as one of the most beautiful churches in the world, it is an architectural work whose main author is Antoni Gaudí. Built in the so-called Catalan modernism (a kind of Art Nouveau that was very much in vogue in the capital of Catalonia at the time), it is visited by some 4.5 million people every year. Many curiosities hover around the unfinished masterpiece by Gaudí, who died before completing his ambitious project.
The Sagrada Familia: attributed to Gaudi, he was not its first architect
The project was initially entrusted to the architect Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano, who began the work in the Neo-Gothic style. When he resigned the following year (in 1883), due to disagreements with Joan Martorell, the project was entrusted to Gaudi, who dedicated 40 years of his life and all of the last 15 to the church.
It was consecrated only in 2010
It is often the case that churches and cathedrals of this size need decades, if not centuries, to be completed. However, the Sagrada Familia had to wait more than 100 years to be consecrated. In fact, the consecration of the church as a minor basilica only took place in 2010, during the visit of Pope Benedict XVI, who was in the Iberian peninsula for a visit to Santiago de Compostela.
By Cezary p - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7478181
The school inside the Sagrada Familia
Designed to accommodate the children of workers, the school within the walls of the Sagrada Familia was originally an idea of architect Gaudí and built in 1909. He created a small building that over time became the focal point for the neighbourhood's children from needy families. In 2002, however, as work progressed, the school was demolished and rebuilt a few metres away. Today it is still open to the public and can be visited.
The crypt fire
The crypt of the Sagrada Familia, along with the construction workshop, suffered extensive damage on 20 July 1936 due to an arson attack during the Spanish Civil War. This attack demolished and caused damage to some of the models, plans and documents of Gaudí's original design. Because of this, the current appearance of the basilica is not what Gaudi had in mind. On the same occasion, the tomb of the church's founder, Josep Maria Bocabella, was desecrated.
George Orwell called it "horrible."
Although today the Sagrada Familia is one of the most adored buildings in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it was not always so during the 20th century. Author George Orwell (1984 - Animal Farm) called it "one of the most hideous buildings in the world". Others, however, had an opposite opinion: the German architect Walter Gropius described it as "a marvel of technical perfection".
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15/06/2024
During a visit to Barcelona, among the many sights available, one cannot fail to pay a visit to Casa Battlò, perhaps the most unique residence in the world. In fact, its architecture is absolutely unique, and it is one of the most famous sights in Spain.
Entirely renovated at the beginning of the 20th century by the great architect Antoni Gaudi, it is located at number 43 Passeig de Gràcia and is considered one of the architect's most original creations. Since 2005, the house has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Since the 1990s, the building has been in the hands of its current owners, the Bernat family, who have completely reformed it.
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10/06/2024
The Colosseum in Rome, the ancient arena where jousts, gladiator fights and theatrical performances took place, is the most famous monument in Italy, the one that immediately comes to mind when talking about the Belpaese.
Its history and the legends surrounding this marvellous building, much changed over the centuries, are steeped in the soul of Italy, with its contradictions, its problems but also its beauty.
Despite being one of the world's most famous and well-known sights, without a doubt some things you will not know, and you will be surprised by the curiosities surrounding its stones.