Spain is a vibrant country on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula and is also the house of various popular masterpieces worldwide. Among all, La Sagrada Familia is the largest Catholic Church in the world and was built by the legendary architect Antoni Gaudi. Its captivating modernist architecture, rich history, and interesting facts beckon millions of tourists across the globe. Before exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site, check out amazing facts about Sagrada Familia to make your visit more special.
10 Incredible Facts about Sagrada Familia
Discover multiple dimensions of an iconic structure that stands as the pride of Europe and meanwhile, find the incredible facts about Sagrada Familia that reveal various secrets related to its history and records.
1. Under construction site for over a century
La Sagrada Familia is one of the most magnificent buildings in the world. It was started in 1882 by Antoni Gaudi, a Catalan architect in his thirties but due to his death, the construction work got delayed and is still running. After 10 years, another delay took place during the Spanish Civil War. Moreover, multiple changes in the design of the church throughout the years are also one of the obstructions. It is estimated to be finished in 2026 but even if the architecture still needs to be completed, it still throng loads of travellers. Among the best things to do in Barcelona, count this splendour in your itinerary to make your trip unforgettable.
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2. Gaudi’s Tomb
Antoni Gaudi, the genius architect, and designer of the Sagrada Familia has been dedicatively working on this project since his thirties. But unfortunately, he got hit by a tram and passed away at the age of 74. To pay tribute to his marvellous work, they buried the body in a tomb located on the underground level in the chapel of El Carmen Virgin. The city is well-known as the ‘Gaudi’s City’ and is listed among the most beautiful cities in Spain. Another section of this famous destination that any traveller can easily visit is Gaudi’s Tomb which secures one of the amazing facts of Sagrada Familia.
3. It used to be the site of a school
Do you know the famous Catholic Church and one of the captivative Spain tourist attractions, the La Sagrada Familia used to be a school during the early days of construction? In the year 1909, Gaudi built the ‘Sagrada Familia Schools Building’ for neighbourhood and worker’s children. It is now converted into an exhibition section where every traveller can visit to witness its unique displays.
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4. It all started with a bookseller, another architect
It would be one of the shocking facts about Sagrada Familia that the famous Antoni Gaudi wasn’t the first choice when the creation of the church came to mind. It was started by a book merchant in Barcelona who was deeply devoted to Joseph Maria Bocabella, a Philanthropist who started the construction in 1882. Earlier when he visited the Vatican City in Italy, he decided to build a magnificent church in Spain as well. Later, he planned to raise funds via private donations and other ways to work on his dream to come true.
5. Nature was the influencer
Antoni Gaudi was a nature lover and usually took inspiration from nature which was visible in his work. This is one of the interesting facts about Sagrada Familia that belongs to the period when the project was assigned to him, his first move was to replace the straight lines and angles with something that represents nature like trees and numerous creatures. He decided the height of the central tower according to the Montjuic hill of Barcelona as he believed that the artificial work should not exceed God’s creation. Even the interior of this majestic attraction will give you a glimpse of the different art of nature.
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6. Builders of the Sagrada Familia are immortalized in stone
There were collective efforts of builders other than the designers and architects to set up such an astonishing architecture. So, in respect and to give honour to their world-class work it was decided to embed their faces within the stone of the building that represents their day and night endeavours. It not only makes the structure look more attractive but it is also a way to connect the workers to this majestic structure forever. This is one of the hidden facts about Sagrada Familia which only few people know about in the entire world.
7. The tallest religious building in Europe
Sagrada Familia holds a remarkable height of 172 meters which makes it the tallest Church in Europe. In total, it is 13 meters taller than the second record holder, the Ulm Minster. Its height is one of the interesting facts about Sagrada Familia as it was decided according to the peak of Montjuïc, the mountain in Barcelona that has the highest city point. Antoni Gaudi, the designer had a true devotion towards nature and God and believed that no human-made architecture could be superior to the creation of God.
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8. The Inticrate symbolism
The designer Antoni Gaudi structured the awe-inspiring building in which you can get a glimpse of nature in every architecture like the pillars changing as the trees and representing the water and earth, the fascinating designs of turtles and tortoises. Not only nature but also symbolises the birth of Jesus Christ and his eternal thoughts of hope, mercy, and faith in its three portals of the Nativity façade. Moreover, Gaudi’s thoughts were always innovative and helped in enhancing the architecture. He tried to use death masks of deceased people who worked for hours every day and constructed this unbelievable architecture. During the visit, you will surely witness this one of the amazing facts about Sagrada Familia.
9. It’s no longer a cathedral
Earlier Sagrada Familia used to be a simple Roman Catholic Church but later, it turned into a Cathedral when it was declared a Basilica by Pope Benedict XVI due to some circumstances. But it always remained the majestic charm of Europe for 140 years even if it is standing with incomplete structures and controversies This is among the historical facts about Sagrada Familia that holds its status proudly as the tallest unfinished church in Europe.
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10. 12 Towers with multiple pinnacles
Sagrada Familia was designed with proper planning and innovative ideas so that the 12 towers represent the Apostles of Jesus Christ to its utmost level. The towers are subdivided like each facade has 4 towers that are close to the church centre. Then, out of six towers, four represent the Evangelists who are of the same height and have similar looks. These all towers surround the main tower in the middle which is dedicated to Lord Jesus. It is around 560 feet which denotes it as the tallest church in Europe. The towers consist of numerous hidden facts about Sagrada Familia that will surely astound you.
History of the Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia carries a fascinating history in itself from its roots year since 1866. It all originated with the community of people who were devoted to Saint Joseph and who dreamed of a Cathedral church. Later, the construction started on the 19th of March 1882 on a land of 12000 meters square in Barcelona. Various challenges occurred as the first architect Don Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano resigned from the project on short notice due to some disagreement. Then, the legendary designer Antoni Gaudi was hired and died after serving for around thirty years. Even after 140 years, the building is incomplete but proudly holds an amazing position in the world’s dignity and uplifts various facts about Sagrada Familia.
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Best Time To Visit Sagrada Familia
Usually, the opening hours of Sagrada Familia are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Still, it is recommended to visit this fascinating place between 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Monday as it is one of the peaceful hours to find with the Lord Jesus. You can also opt for sunset time between 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM to capture the best pictures of the interior. During this time, the lighting is absolute and the mesmerising view will leave you stunned.
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Further Read: Best Things To Do In Barcelona
Isn’t it fascinating to know about the incredible facts about Sagrada Familia and then pay a visit to this revered destination? Plan an unforgettable trip to Barcelona by adding this UNESCO World Heritage site to your itinerary and spend some peaceful time in the shed of Lord Jesus. Do not forget to capture the mentioned architectures that bury rich history within the designs of this marvellous structure.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Facts About Sagrada Familia
What are some fun facts about Sagrada Familia?
Sagrada Familia is the tallest unfinished church in Europe and has been under construction for over 140 years. It started in the year 1882 and is estimated to be completed in the year 2026. There are various other shocking facts about Sagrada Familia like it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Barcelona, the structure represents symbolism, etc.
How old is the Sagrada Família?
Sagrada Familia is over 140 years old started in the year 1882 till the year 2023. It is still an incomplete structure and will take 3 more years to get finished.
What is Sagrada Familia famous for?
Among the famous tourist attractions of Europe Sagrada Familia is one of the fascinating landmarks for its rich history that is deeply connected to its unfinished structure, carvings, and various other elements.
Why is it called La Sagrada Familia?
The actual meaning of La Sagrada Familia in English is ‘The holy family’ which is derived from the family of Jesus Christ. One of the amazing facts about Sagrada Familia is that the 12 towers of the Church represent the Lord Jesus and the Apostles.
What are two unique things about Sagrada Familia?
The masterpiece created by the legendary designer Antoni Gaudi and the complex symbolism of Sagrada Familia are the two unique things that must not be missed during the excursion.
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