La Sagrada Familia is one of Gaudí's most famous works in Barcelona. It's a giant Basilica that has been under construction since 1882 and it's not expected to be completed very soon. Guesses on when construction might be complete range from the 2020s to the 2040s. Although incomplete, the church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in November 2010 Pope Benedict XVI consecrated and proclaimed it a minor basilica.
The building is still under construction so be prepared to see a lot of work continuing when you visit. However this in itself is interesting, especially if you visit the museum inside the building. Sagrada Familia it is a truly magnificent building and an absolute must-see when you visit Barcelona. It attracts around 2.8 million visitors a year and is the most visited monument in Spain.
Inside, work on roofing over the church was completed in 2010. The church plan is that of a Latin cross with five aisles. The central nave vaults reach 45 metres while the side nave vaults reach 30 metres. Gaudí intended that a visitor standing at the main entrance be able to see the vaults of the nave, crossing, and apse; thus the graduated increase in vault loft.
In the same year an organ was installed in the presbytery. Construction on Sagrada Família is not supported by any government or official church sources. Private patrons funded the initial stages. Money from tickets purchased by tourists is now used to pay for the work. Basilica visit ticket is about 13.50 Euro. If you want to visit Basilica and Gaudí House-Museum the ticket is 17.00 Euro.
Photo source: wikipedia.org
A.I.