Barcelona is famous for its historicalsights and an amazing combination of buildings with bizarre architecture. In this article we want to tell about the ingenious architectural creation - the Sagrada Surname cathedral. The amazing structure attracts tourists from all over the world, its bizarre forms and reliefs, transferring them to Biblical times.
The expiatory cathedral of Sagrada-Surname is already under constructionmore than 150 years and is considered the most famous long-term construction. It's hard to believe, but it really is. In 2005, UNESCO even listed this unique object on its lists of the heritage of humanity, which in itself already indicates the significance of the structure.
At one time the idea of erecting a temple arose atthe usual seller of books from Barcelona, Josep Bocabella. In those distant times he headed the community of admirers of Joseph. In 1872, Bocabelli came to the town of Loreto, in which was a house, which served according to the legend of the abode of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The book dealer was so fascinated by the beauty of the temple that he decided to create his copy in his hometown.
The thought of such construction in the endgrew into a decision to build an unusual structure in the center of Barcelona. However, due to lack of funds Bokabel managed to acquire land only on the outskirts of the city.
The Sagrada Familia, as it is often calledour tourists, was founded on March 19, 1882. In general, it is worth noting that the name of the building correctly sounds a bit different - the Sagrada Familia temple. The beginning of construction has turned into an important event in which representatives of the clergy and city authorities took part. The architect of the Sagrada Familia was Francisco del Villar. It was he who proposed to build a church in the Neo-Gothic style, which was incredibly popular in that era. However, during the construction of the architect there were disagreements with the performers, so in the future he stepped back from participating in the project.
In 1883, the further construction of the cathedralThe Sagrada Familia in Barcelona was led by the famous Gaudi, who in turn made significant changes to the project and decided to erect a gigantic structure. According to his idea, around the church will be built stone columns like trees, covered arches and benches for parishioners.
According to the architect's plan, Sagrada FamiliaAt the same time, it was necessary to receive up to 14 thousand parishioners. Ever since childhood, Antonio Gaudi had an extraordinary fantasy, than he was very different from his comrades and peers. It seemed that the boy had some special connection with the world around him, he incredibly appreciated all that was created by nature. Antonio could watch clouds for hours and imagine that these are trees, fairy-tale characters or animals. Even drops of dew in the grass and flowers aroused interest in the young man and admiration. All the objects he saw, he turned into his fantasies into something extraordinary.
Despite the fact that Gaudi was a supporter ofexperiments, in the construction of its subtle instincts it never failed. His creations were always beautiful and natural, and any unusual ideas corresponded to strict engineering rules. The architect used in his practice the latest ideas of the time, for which he can be called an innovator.
Such a difficult science as a sopromat was already known to Gaudi, and he actively used his knowledge.
In order to the temple of Sagrada Familia in Barcelonalooked more majestic, Gaudi said in his sketches that the height of the central tower of Christ should be one meter lower than the Montjuic mountain. The religious architect believed that the creation of the hands of man can not be higher than God's creation. According to the plans, the facades were supposed to be decorated with scenes on the birth and resurrection of Christ.
Gaudi was repeatedly reproached thatconstruction is too slow. To which the architect replied that his offspring were in no hurry. Initially, it was assumed that the temple would be built on donations. However, Antonio was so obsessed with his project that he invested in construction all of his available funds. But this money was not enough, they had to be collected at home.
But, unfortunately, in 1926 the life of a geniusthe architect broke off. At that time, Gaudi was 74 years old. From his project he managed to realize only a part - to create one tower of the Sagrada Familia, the facade of Christmas, crypts and apses. Since 1954 and to this day the construction is carried on.
In the nineties of the last century for the temple tookthe new architect is Subirac. He set about creating a façade called The Passion of Christ. An interesting fact is that the new architect was a real atheist, unlike the deeply religious Gaudi. When Subiracks got such a tempting offer to start making sculptures for facades, he studied Gaudi's art for a year. And only in 1987 I started to work. Currently, Subirax and several other architects are working on the naves, patio and choirs of the Sagrada Familia temple. Absolutely all the decor of the building contains Christian symbols. When you look at the elements of the building, it seems that you are turning over pages of the Bible.
A total of planned constructioneighteen towers. All of them will be at different heights. The tower of Christ is the tallest, on its spire there will be a cross. Slightly smaller will be the tower of the Virgin Mary. The next four will symbolize the evangelists. Also in the temple are planned twelve belfries, which represent the number of the apostles.
Despite the fact that the Cathedral of the Sagrada Familia insidenot finished, as well as outside, in 2000 it was already consecrated by Pope Benedict the sixteenth. The temple is officially recognized as suitable for conducting church services.
The facade of Christmas was built by Gaudi himself, through himvisitors enter the temple. Originally, a building was built, which was divided into three entrances to the inner halls. It is equipped with four bell towers with high spiers in honor of the holy apostles of Judah, Barnabas, Simon and Matthew. The open lightweight construction of the towers was built taking into account the sound of the bells, which makes them look like blinds.
The facade of Glory goes to the street of Mallorca.Its theme is connected with the fall and virtue. The structure looks towards the coast, so all day long it is under sunlight. Even in this lies a deep meaning, for Glory is light, bringing joy and spiritual happiness. The construction of this part of the temple complex was started quite recently. But already there are clear plans and story lines that will demonstrate the biblical stories.
But the facade of the Passion was conceived yet brilliantGaudi, who wanted to depict on it paintings that show the last days of Christ's life. All the sculptures are so masterful that they involuntarily draw people's attention.
Unusually executed and the gate of the facade of the Passion. On the bronze a fragment of the text from the Gospel is carved, in which there is a narrative about the earthly life of the Son of God.
The monastery, according to plan, will have to beborder of the temple, framing it with a ring, which will be interrupted only in the gate area and the apse. The structure should serve as a kind of protection against street noise and fuss.
Between the facades of Christmas and Passion isApse. It was built one of the first, so it is made in the Gothic style. The apse is dedicated to honoring the memory of God's mother. The front part of it is still at the construction stage. Many figures and elements have already been completed, but much remains to be done. For example, it is planned to erect inside statues, personifying the founders of the religious order. And at the very top should be built a dome of St. Mary, which will crown the star.
Gaudi and the insidetemple. As a distribution of the load on the numerous arches and columns, he decided to apply the column-trees. Such a brilliant idea gave the beauty of the inner part of the temple.
The construction of the cathedral inside continues to thisday, but still visitors have the opportunity to purchase tickets to Sagrada Familia and visit this amazing place, because there is something to see. Inside the building in general, a special atmosphere is felt, which is partly achieved by the play of light. The thing is that Gaudi himself believed that bright illumination of the interior could disrupt the harmony of the decor and not create an atmosphere of peace of mind. Therefore, the light in the building penetrates through the colored glass stained glass, which creates a special mood.
Already, everyone can go up the elevatoron the bell towers, which are connected by bridges. And in the basement of the building there is a museum in which you can find out about all the stages of construction.
After the work on the crypt was completed,The museum was opened in 1961. It is now open to visitors. In it you can see unusual exhibits, such as original drawings and drawings by Antonio Gaudi, which are stored in special rooms with poor lighting for maximum protection of the paper against the influence of external factors.
In addition, the museum can look at the photos, which show all the stages of construction, there are even photos with the Gaudi.
On the shelves of the museum are assembled different modelsarchitectural elements of the temple and other unusual exhibits dedicated to all stages of the design and construction of the Expiatory temple dedicated to the Holy Family. Also here you can see many reproductions of creations of Gaudi, who was very fond of Catalonia and rarely traveled beyond it.
Tourists who decided to see the temple,it will be interesting to know what kind of transport you can get to your destination. It is most convenient to use the metro. You need to leave at the station "Sagrada-Surname" (5th and 2nd line). In addition, the shuttle buses 19, 43, 34, 50 go to the temple. Do not forget about the tourist buses "City Tower" and "Bas Touristik", which run on special routes that cover the most interesting places in Barcelona.
Address of Sagrada Familia: city of Barcelona, Mallorca.
Experts make very different forecastsregarding the completion of construction. According to the plan, the church should be fully completed in ten years. The extraordinary acoustics, which was thought out by Gaudi himself, will allow 2,5 thousand singers to be gathered in the temple for the performance of the solemn liturgy to the accompaniment of several organs. The temple should become one of the most grandiose creations in the world architecture.
Despite the fact that the temple is not yet completeit is already possible to visit. Tickets to Sagrada Familia can be bought at the ticket offices near the cathedral. Their cost varies from 15-29 euros, and for children the tickets will cost a little cheaper (15 euro ticket without a guide, if you plan to climb the tower, you have to pay 22 euros without guide services and 29 euros with a guide).
The temple already now enjoys the incrediblepopularity. During the tourist season, a large number of people gather near the cash offices. Experienced tourists recommend buying tickets with a Russian audio guide, so you can learn the history of the construction of the greatest temple. The cathedral has its own website, where you can also book an excursion. But unfortunately, the resource is not equipped with Russian navigation.
Enthusiastic reviews of the Sagrada Familia givethe reason to recommend a temple for visiting. The unique monumental structure is worthy of being seen. Many even consider the cathedral the main attraction of Barcelona. Of course, the capital of Catalonia is already crowded with interesting places, but Sagrada Familia is something special and unique. Tourists say that inside the temple is stunningly beautiful. It seems that you are in the garden, among the trees, because the columns are made in the form of plants. In the cathedral very special lighting due to the numerous colored stained-glass windows. In the inner part of the temple you are not overwhelmed by painful feelings, which is typical of many structures of such a plan. A large amount of sunlight makes the interior space incredibly beautiful. After all, Gaudi managed to achieve what was planned.
Outside, you should admire the facades of the building.So far, only two of them are ready. According to tourists, it is clear which of them was made by a great master. Modern construction, although it is conducted in the same vein as in Gaudí's time, but the difference between the hand of the genius and the masters of our time is visible to the naked eye.
Such a splendor you probably will not see anywhere elsemore, so the temple is sure to visit. But only tourists recommend buying tickets via the Internet in advance, otherwise it will be necessary to stand in a very long queue.
