Submitted by Tara Vaughan on the 2024 Winter EDUC program in Barcelona, Spain…
My incredible adventures continued this week with a visit to arguably the most well-known sight in the city of Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia. This church holds so much history and is a distinct reflection of the uniqueness that this city holds. Visiting this landmark was inspiring as its impeccable details and architecture tell a story along and inside its walls. The church began construction in 1882 and is still working towards completion, which to me, serves as a reflection of Spain’s pride in this building as they are constantly working towards its greatness and displaying the vision that architect, Antoni Gaudi, had in his plans. It is set to be completed in 2026, a century after Gaudi’s tragic passing. While visiting La Sagrada Familia, we listened to our tour guide share the inspiration behind the church and the aspects that truly make it so special.
I discovered that the outside of the church depicted key parts of Catholicism, with images of famous Bible stories. The details were truly breathtaking as you could stare at the outside for hours and continue to uncover new things. The outside also featured a cyprus tree, signifying the circle of life. The inside was just as astonishing as the stained glass windows painted the inside of the church. The pillars and columns on the inside were modeled after trees as Gaudi wanted them to appear as trunks that stretched up to the treetops at the pinnacle of the structure. Within the stained glass shapes, there are names written of figures in Catholicism, as well as famous reigns and religious institutions found all around the world. La Sagrada Familia is a place of unity; free mass is offered every Sunday as well.
Aside from the church itself, we also visited a museum which detailed the process of building such an impressive structure. It gave me insight into the tremendous amount of work and creativity that is required, sharing the plans for the church, the artists who have made contributions, and the symbolism found throughout the space. I am still puzzled and amazed at how architects were able to construct such a large structure without the modern technology that we have today. Before coming to Barcelona, I had heard of this church and its beauty, but it is hard to comprehend until you are in it, astounded by its mass and art. I am truly grateful that I got to see such a prominent piece of architecture and Barcelonian history, as it reminded me to look at life with a close, reflective eye in order to see the true beauty that it holds. (Submitted on January 21, 2024)
