Sagrada Familia
The monumental church El Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia (Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Family) is Antoni Gaudí's most famous work and the finest example of his visionary genius. Gaudi undertook the task in 1883 on the site of a previous neo-Gothic project begun in 1882. Gaudi dedicated his life, in his later years to the exclusion of all else, to carrying out this ambitious undertaking, which due to his sudden death in 1926 was left unfinished. Construction on this church will continue at least until 2041, but it has already become Barcelona's most important landmark. When finished, the Sagrada Familia will have a total of 18 towers. Four Towers on each of the three facades represent the 12 apostles. The towers reach a height of 90 to 120m (394ft). Another four towers represent the 4 evangelists. They will surround the largest, 170m/558ft tall tower, dedicated to Jesus Christ. The last tower, dedicated to Virgin Mary, will be built over the apse. Currently construction is mainly focusing on the nave and the main southern facade known as the Glory Facade. Even though the Sagrada Familia is far from finished, the remarkable church is must-see. You can visit the crypt were Gaudí is buried. A museum tells the story of this great architect and the history of the church.
