The Sagrada Familia is one of the symbols of the city of Barcelona, known for being one of the most famous monuments and one of the main tourist attractions. Not only in the city of Barcelona but also throughout Spain.
A basilica designed by the prestigious catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, which is still unfinished. The temple stands out for its imposing architecture, being considered an extraordinary example of gothic architecture, and also for its history and unique details found nowhere else in the world.
A place you can’t miss if you have the chance, at LOCK & enjoy! we have several suitcase lockers in Barcelona, where you can leave your luggage with complete security, so you can explore the city and enjoy the basilica without having to carry it around.
In fact, we have a locker at the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Located just a few minutes walk from the basilica, which will be open 24 hours a day, allowing you to make an online reservation and access it easily with a code.
A temple with more than 136 years of history, in this post, we’ll tell you some curiosities about the Sagrada Familia that you’ll love to know when you visit it.
History of the Sagrada Familia
The history of the Sagrada Familia is full of anecdotes and interesting facts, such as the fact that it is an unfinished structure.
For example, we know who built it, but do you know who originally designed the Sagrada Familia?
An interesting fact is that the first person in charge of designing the temple was architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. Who soon decided to abandon the project, with Antoni Gaudí taking over the direction, completely transforming the original design and making this basilica his masterpiece.
With his characteristic architectural style that blended gothic and catalan modernism elements. Gaudí dedicated more than 40 years to this project, even working exclusively on it during his final years of life.
Sadly, he passed away in 1926 without seeing it completed, but left a legacy of plans and models still used to complete his vision.
Now that we know who made the Sagrada Familia, let’s look at other interesting facts about the basilica.
Height of the Sagrada Familia
The height of the Sagrada Familia is expected to reach 172.5 meters once it is completed, making it the tallest religious building in all of Europe.
Interestingly, Antoni Gaudí decided that the height of the Sagrada Familia should not exceed that of the Montjuïc mountain. As he believed no human creation should surpass the height of a divine one.
When did the construction of the Sagrada Familia begin?
The construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882, passing through different stages and phases throughout its history.
One of the biggest challenges it has faced is financing, as it’s important to note that the basilica has been funded exclusively through donations and income from tourist visits, which is one of the reasons why the temple is still unfinished.
Completion date of the Sagrada Familia
The truth is, there is no specific completion date for the Sagrada Familia, although it is expected to be finished by 2026, aiming to coincide with the centenary of Gaudí’s death.
However, this cannot be guaranteed, as the completion of the temple has been postponed several times due to funding issues, design changes, and the technical challenges of following Gaudí’s vision without his presence.
Materials used
The materials used are one of the greatest curiosities about the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. As a wide variety of materials have been employed throughout its history.
At first, Gaudí used stone from the Montjuïc mountain, but to adapt to modern techniques and seek a structure that would endure over time. He also used marble and ceramics in certain decorative elements.
As construction progressed, other modern materials were introduced to ensure the durability of the building. Thanks to current technology, many construction methods have been optimized, allowing work to advance faster without losing the essence of Gaudí’s designs.
It’s the biggest tourist attraction in Barcelona
Considered one of the most touristy cities in the world, the Sagrada Familia can boast of being the biggest tourist attraction in Barcelona, receiving an average of 4 to 5 million tourists each year, surpassing the Camp Nou, the stadium of F.C. Barcelona, which is the second most visited attraction in the city.
Although there are others, these are some of the main curiosities about the Sagrada Familia that will make you enjoy your visit even more.
Now that you have all this information about the Sagrada Familia, book your locker at LOCK & enjoy! and enjoy the temple and the city of Barcelona without having to carry your luggage.
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