We tried to enter the temple mid-morning on Saturday, but the line was probably about a 2 hour wait. We returned 30 minutes before they opened Sunday morning, and still had to wait about 15 minutes after they opened. The rainy weather was not our preference because the towers were closed and it was a bit dark, but nevertheless, it was well worth it. We spent about 2 hours wandering in and out, going into the museum and reading about the history and carvings, then returning to the outside making sure we did not miss a thing. I have never seen a building so grand and intricate.
The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia as it is now. Gaudi was commissioned in 1883 to complete a Neo-Gothic cathedral. Gaudi is buried in the crypt on sight and the work is still continuing on the temple.
This is a picture of the Temple as it should look when it is finished. There are to be 14 towers in all. The six tallest towers are not yet protruding from the temple. They are as follows: the one with the cross to represent Jesus; next tallest: Virgin Mary; the next four Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John. The eight which are currently being completed are the other 8 apostles of Jesus.
The Passion Facade is over the entrance to the Temple. The carvings tell the story of Jesus' last days beginning with the Last supper up to the crucifixion of Christ hanging at the very top of the arch.
The inside of the Sagrada Familia is indescribable. There is still so much to complete. The very center of the room was blocked off with scaffolding and construction. The stained glass on the sides are beautiful.
The columns are made to look like trees and the ceiling to look like leaves. Gaudi's architecture often reflects structures created from natural design.
The Nativity Facade is found around the back of the Sagrada. These carvings contain scenes from the Nativity and Christ's childhood.
The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia as it is now. Gaudi was commissioned in 1883 to complete a Neo-Gothic cathedral. Gaudi is buried in the crypt on sight and the work is still continuing on the temple.
This is a picture of the Temple as it should look when it is finished. There are to be 14 towers in all. The six tallest towers are not yet protruding from the temple. They are as follows: the one with the cross to represent Jesus; next tallest: Virgin Mary; the next four Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John. The eight which are currently being completed are the other 8 apostles of Jesus.
The Passion Facade is over the entrance to the Temple. The carvings tell the story of Jesus' last days beginning with the Last supper up to the crucifixion of Christ hanging at the very top of the arch.
