Visitors to Barcelona would not like to miss one of its main attractions, the Sagrada Familia basilica, a magnificent Roman catholic church. This architectural wonder is the brainchild of one of Spain's most famous architects, Antoni Gaudi. However, Gaudi died before completion of the project and the church still remains unfinished, though work on it is still in progress.

Design: Funding for the initial project was through contributions by people of the city of Barcelona and the inspiration for it came from a local bookseller who had traveled to the Vatican City and wished to have an equally impressive cathedral in his own native city. Antoni Gaudi began the work in 1883 but events like the Spanish Civil War interrupted the construction.



Currently a UNESCO World Heritage site, the cathedral's original plan envisages a magnificent set of 18 towering spires, of which only eight have been completed at present. Once it is fully complete, this will be the tallest church on earth! The facade of the building is filled with intricate sculptures of the Holy Family and events from the life of Jesus. The vast interiors of the church are supported by numerous intricately carved porphyry columns and present a wonderful example of Gaudi's art nouveau style. The facades that have been finished represent Nativity, Passion and Glory of Christ and the three entrances to the basilica represent Faith, Hope and Love. Gaudi visualized these as various symbols in the Christian faith and his work is presently being carried out by contemporary architects from all over the world.

Tourist attraction: At present only certain parts of the church are open to the public. The church was consecrated in 2010 and a magnificent organ has been donated by the Spanish Royal family who were present for the first mass here. The crypt, nave and two of the towers are accessible by elevator and spiral staircases. There is also a good museum and a souvenir shop on the premises. The church though unfinished, is regularly used for services. All revenue collected from tourism goes towards completion of the building, as it is not funded by any government agency or even the church.

Though the Sagrada Familia has had contrasting reviews from architects and tourists from all over the world, with some of them finding it strange and whimsical, ugly or beautiful, amazing or spiritual, it has become one of the most enduring symbols of Barcelona and no visit to this city would be complete without a tour of the Sagrada Familia.

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