Advertisement
Published: June 17th 2018
Edit Blog Post
Main Alter
Can you see the grapes and wheat? Sagrida Familia. (Sacred Family)
This masterpiece of Antonio Gaudi began in his lifetime and may be completed in 2026. When asked, Gaudi acknowledged that it would not be finished in his lifetime but in God’s own time. The Basilica covers an entire city block and those working on it today are still following Gaudi’s vision. Every tower, every pillar, every statue and embellishment has meaning. I spent about four hours here and still had not seen all there was to see.
My only disappointment was being turned away from going to the top of the Nativity Tower, I had brought my cane, just in case, and that was enough for them to turn me back. Though you can take an elevator to the top, you have to navigate a spiral staircase to get down. I understand their concern. Too bad but that didn’t spoil my visit.
I picked up an audio guide as started the tour at the Nativity Facade. There are three portals here. The one on the left dedicated to St. Joseph, on the right The Virgin Mary and the center Christ, the Sagrida Familia. They also symbolize
Nativity Facade
Pictures can’t do it justice. Hope, Faith and Charity. Above Christ is a tree covered with Doves of Peace. Flanking are colorful spires symbolizing miters of the clergy. This is the main entrance to the Basilica.
The first thing that struck me was the glorious light. Beautiful stained glass filters the light and creates patterns on the floor. The Glass on the Nativity side, the east side, is primarily shades of blue and green to indicate the dawn of Christianity through the birth of Christ. Twelve columns soar to the vaulted ceiling ending in what represents the branches of trees. (Gaudi found great inspiration in nature and incorporated it in his work). These represent the twelve apostles. Four are of limestone, four of granite and the four closest to the altar are the largest and made of the very strongest stone. They will eventually support the tallest tower representing Jesus.
This tower’s height (about 172 feet, I think) was determined by Gaudi the tower could not exceed the height of Montjuic, Man’s work should not overshadow God’s.
Above the floor is a choir loft and it’s railing are embellished with the notes of a hymn. Opposite
Nativity Facade
Construction goes on the Nativity Facade is the Passion Facade facing West showing the crucifixion. The window on this facade are red, orange and yellow symbolizing late afternoon when Jesus died.
Much of the choir is closed now due to construction but a portion, close to the alter, is open and the visitors must be respectful and remain seated while inside, and they do. Above the alter hangs a statue of the Christ on the Cross. The circle above His head is adorned with grapes and shafts of wheat, the last supper. Above on the rope of the larges columns is a place to the four evangelists, Peter, Paul, Luke and John.
Below the main alter is a chapel that was closed to the public at this visit but contains the body of Gaudi. At the rear of the apse we another small chapel where people can enter to pray, I stopped there to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for all my blessings and to remember all I have known who have passed on and a special prayer for my dear country in these troubled times.
Although the crowds were large they
were quiet. I could have spent many more hours exploring this extraordinary building and not seen or understood the symbolism of what I saw. God willing I will return again and this time I will ditch the cane.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.088s; Tpl: 0.01s; cc: 17; qc: 35; dbt: 0.06s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb