My good friend, Phil Glennon’s son got married in Barcelona, Spain last year (The newlyweds are both physicians) As Phil’s new daughter-in-law is from Spain, Phil sent me this email before our arrival in Barcelona, “When you visit Sagrada Familia, I recommend going first to the museum, which is to the right of the main entrance. The museum will walk you through the history of the construction and how Gaudi used the natural world to inspire his innovative construction techniques. I think having that knowledge first, will enhance your tour.” Great advice, Phil, it made all the difference in the world.

Walking into the Sagrada Familia is like walking into a forest during that magic hour when the light is low and color and shadow play out their drama. Stained glass artist Joan Vila-Grau realized Antoni Gaudi’s dream starting in 1959. The glass on the East or Nativity Façade, is the cool blue and green of morning light. The glass on the West or Passion Façade is hot reds and oranges. The glass at the top is noonday clear, so the mood of the day is amplified by the glass and the shadows it throws.

Gothic Cathedrals are often dark inside with the light shining through, emphasizing the stories the windows tell. At La Sagrada Familia you walk into a dazzling light show, a forest of light.

The architecture is a forest.  Gaudi has three different types of stone making the columns representing three different species of tree.  At the top of the columns there are branches stretching to the ceiling.  These take the place of the external flying buttresses on traditional Gothic cathedrals.  They carry the weight down from the ceiling to the strong tree trunks, if you will.  Gaudi wanted you to feel the power of nature on a walk through the forest. 

There is a crucifix on one end of the church and a statue at the other.  Otherwise, all the religious symbolism and the stories those symbols tell is on the outside. Inside you are to feel the presence of God in Nature.  It works. He succeeds.

Next, I will share with you some photos of the exterior of La Sagrada Familia.

Thanks for traveling with us.