Passion: Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia
Last week, a few friends and I ventured to La Sagrada Familia. I can honestly say this is the most spectacular man-made landmark I have ever seen. From the outside, there are billions of small crevices that are carefully sculpted. As mentioned in my last post, the building can be seen from my residencia window–truly spectacular!
When finished around year 2028, the church will have eighteen towers. What amazed me most was that as Gaudi made every single design decision, he had an analytical reason for it. For example, none of the towers are to exceed 170 meters since Gaudi believed people need a constant reminder that Jesus is greater than them.
Here is a view from the top:
And the stairwell down one of the highest towers:
Once inside, there is the most colorful stained glass all along the walls.
The church is huge– 60 meters by 90 meters! As I looked up, I saw the most stunning arches supported by gigantic marble engraved polls.
Everywhere I looked, I saw a different architecture technique that created a variety shapes, reflections, and slants in the structure that provoked my curiosity.
I honestly feel like there are no words to describe the beauty.
Gaudi was incredible. He spent 43 years designing and building La Sagrada Familia. He died unexpectedly as he was not even a quarter done with the building of the church. In current days, the government, Catholic Church, and private funds are helping finish the structure up. It amazes me how one person could have enough ambition to spend almost half a century on a project! I guess that is what passion truly is.