One of the most iconic architectural landmarks in Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia, the stunning basilica designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. This masterpiece of modernist architecture has been under construction since 1882. It is the largest unfinished Catholic Church in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site.
Sagrada Familia under construction
Contrary to medieval churches, Gaudí's design uses angled columns and hyperboloidal vaults in order to eliminate the flying buttresses. The central nave has a height of 45 meters and resembles a forest of multi coloured pillars. Venetian glass tiles in the ceiling allow light to enter from above.
pillars of the nave
Based on Gaudí's plans, many of the Sagrada Familia's windows were created by Spanish painter and stained-glass artist Joan Vila-Grau who died in 2022 at the age of 90. The Nativity facade side's windows uses with greens and blues mostly cold colours. Facing east, they are illuminated in the morning. The opposing Passion facade's windows use warm colours and are illuminated at sunset.
central nave and windows of both the nativity and passion facade
central nave
A visit to the tower allows a close look at the sculptures and ends with a stone spiral staircase.
spiral staircase
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