Sagrada Familia

After a month in Spain, Portugal and Morocco we felt we were “Churched Out” until we walked into Sagrada Familia. It is a very special place for anyone with eyes and a heart. For a little more info about Gaudí, see my post on the Barcelona of Gaudí.

Sagrada Familia – Passion Facade

This is what it’s supposed to look like when it’s done. 18 towers to Jesus, Mary, the evangelists and the 12 apostles.

There are at least 4 building cranes on site. Progress depends, as Gaudí wished, on public donations. The gold statue of Jesus ascending into heaven is a new addition to this recently finished facade. Josep Subirachs completed it, following the Master’s plans, in 2002.

Veronica in foreground

Cryptogram adds up to 33. The golden hue is Photoshop’s. It revealed more detail.

Colour in the high section was not obvoius at first.

Door detail depicts soldiers gambling for Jesus’ clothes. Judging by the crucifix, they didn’t leave him a stitch…

My guess here is that Pilate is the guy looking forlorn

Flagellation pillar detail depicts stark suffering

Pillars of Marc and Luc

This Gaudí masterpiece, alone, seems sufficient to atone for humanity’s transgressions. It takes your breath away.

The four main columns, dedicated to the four evangelists

The light inside is coloured by huge windows, many faithful to the physics of the visible spectrum. Oh! The light inside!

Anita’s Canon picked up these colours very well

The light in this church is incredible. This was snapped behind the organ.

Inspired by every shape in nature, Gaudí pays homage to the trees in these columns

Ghostly spiral staircase inspired by a nautilus shell

St. George, Barna’s co-patron with Santa Eulalia, above the main entrance

Charity Portico, the centrepiece of the Nativity Façade

Colour from inside “stains” this glass…

Angels trumpet “Gloria in Excelsis!”

Rhombic forms, bishop’s staff and ring, gold cross with apostle, Bartholomew’s, large initial “B”

Workshop of Gaudí

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