Sagrada Família – Photos from 2016

In English, Sagrada Família translates to Holy Family. It refers to the biblical family of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and Saint Joseph. 

Designed by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudí, the Basilica of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona is a massive, ongoing construction project. Its name and every inch of its architectural design carry profound religious and symbolic meaning.  Gaudi passed away 100 years ago this day of June 10.

The “Bible in Stone”

Gaudí designed the basilica to function as a visual theology. Every element represents a different aspect of the Catholic faith: 

• The 18 Towers: Represent key biblical figures. Twelve represent the Apostles, four represent the Evangelists, one is for the Virgin Mary, and the central, tallest tower represents Jesus Christ. [1]
• The Facades: Three grand facades visually narrate the life of Christ. The Nativity Façade celebrates His birth, the Passion Façade depicts His suffering and crucifixion, and the Glory Façade represents the path to salvation. 

The Harmony of Nature and Divinity

Gaudí’s design sought to intertwine the divine with the natural world. 

• Columns as Forests: Inside, the colossal stone columns branch out at the top like trees, turning the nave into a sanctuary that feels like a sunlit forest. [1, 2]
• The Light: The intricate stained-glass windows are purposefully engineered to catch the sun at different times of the day, with dawn light illuminating the Nativity and sunset light reflecting off the Passion