La Sagrada Familia

Associated Faiths:

Roman Catholicism

Also occasionally visited by Christians of other High and Low-Church traditions.

Accessibility:

Because the basilica is still under construction, parts are open to visitors. Other parts can be viewed by making a reservation. And other parts are simply not open to the public. No hats, see-through clothing, skirts or shorts above mid-thigh, or swimwear are allowed.

Annual Visitors: 5,000,000

History

Located in Barcelona, Spain, this is currently the largest “unfinished” Roman Catholic church anywhere in the world. Under construction for more than 130 years, it has been used for the majority of that time, though formally yet unfinished. The Basilica de Sagrada Familia has served as a “minor basilica” since 2010, when Pope Benedict XVI declared it as such.

The construction on the basilica began in 1882 but ran into numerous snags along the way—including the resignation of the architect (only one year into the project), the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), an act of desecration and arson (which resulted in a partial destruction of the blueprints or plans for the basilica), and even the COVID-19 pandemic. It is expected that the basilica will be completed by the early 2030s. This means that the construction of this holy edifice will have taken nearly 150 years to complete.

As the name of this basilica implies, it was to be built in honor of the “Holy Family” (i.e., Joseph, Mary and Jesus). Its inspiration comes from the Basilica della Santa Casa, which is a shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary land located in Marches, Italy. A bookseller named José María Bocabella had visited the Vatican (in 1872) and came back to Spain so inspired by what he had experienced at the Marian shrine (in Marches), that he decided to build a Church in Barcelona. While the style of the two buildings is decidedly different, the inspiration to build the one came through a visit to the other.

Because of the destruction of the plans for the basilica and, as a result of the very lengthy construction process, the building has had numerous assigned architects. As a consequence of that, the basilica’s design has been adapted and tweaked on numerous occasions—in some cases, significantly so. The evolution from what was originally envisioned by the building’s first architect (Francisco de Paula del Villar) to where it stands today (about 65% complete), has been significant, to say the least. Various portions of the building reflect the various architects and eras of the Basilica’s lengthy creation process.

Religious Significance

For some, this building is beautiful and inspiring. For example, Louis Sullivan (the architect known as the “Father of Skyscrapers”), called it the “Spirit symbolized in stone!” Others, like the British novelist George Orwell, referred to it as “one of the most hideous buildings in the world.” Thus, the basilica has been polarizing, clearly not having universal appeal. This is largely due to the fact that it has had numerous designers and architects since the structure was begun (in 1882).

That being said, the symbolism behind the building is important, in that it stands as a testament to the central teachings of the Church. For example, the 18 spires symbolize the 12 apostles, the Virgin Mary, the 4 Evangelists, and Jesus—who is represented by the tallest and central spire. The three façades represent the Nativity, the Passion, and the Celestial Glory of Christ. The latter of these will have seven columns, symbolic of the gifts of the Spirt. At the base of those columns will be symbols of the “seven deadly sins” and, at the top, will be representations of the “seven heavenly virtues.” The Glory façade will also have a total of seven doors, symbolic of the “seven sacraments” of the Church. Thus, the symbolism is the embodiment of sacred truths taught by the Church.

Other aspects of the basilica, which will serve as teaching devices and as inspiration for those who worship therein, include words, such as “Excelsis” or “Hosanna” on the steeples, excerpts from the Passon Narratives on the façade that symbolize the Passon, and words from the Apostles Creed on the Glory façade. The Nativity façade includes a depiction of the “Tree of Life,” and the steeple of the apse bears the text of the Hail Mary in Latin. Each of these are holy messages incorporated into this holy house.

Regardless of whether one finds the architecture of this “work in progress” attractive or disgusting, it serves for millions of visitors each year as a “testament in stone” to the central teachings of the Church, and as a witness to the spirit of endurance and perseverance—as one man’s 19th century vision is carried on by others, for nearly 150 years!

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