Notes on Sagrada Familia Lecture

Overview of Sagrada Familia

• Emblematic symbol of Barcelona and Spain
• Located in Ensanche, a district that expanded after the demolition of the Gothic wall in 1850

Urban Design of Ensanche

• Developed by engineer Ildefons Cerdà
• Features manzanas (blocks) measuring 133.3 x 133.3 meters
• Streets are parallel and perpendicular to improve traffic flow and safety

History of Construction

• 1882: Construction began, initially led by Francisco de Paula de Villar
• After a year, Antoni Gaudí took over the project
• Gaudí completed the crypt, then focused on the Nativity façade
• 1926: Gaudí died; only the crypt, Nativity façade, and one tower were completed
• Original design included:
  • 3 façades (Nativity, Passion, Glory)
  • 18 towers (12 for apostles, 4 for evangelists, 1 for Virgin Mary, 1 for Jesus)

Recognition

• 2010: Pope designated Sagrada Familia as a Basilica

Antoni Gaudí

• Also known for other works like Parc Güell, commissioned by Count Eusebi Güell
• Relationship with Güell was significant for Gaudí's career
• After Güell's death, funding ceased, leading Gaudí to focus entirely on Sagrada Familia
• Died tragically after being hit by a tram in 1926
• Buried in the crypt, which remained intact during the Spanish Civil War

Nativity Façade

• Represents the life of Jesus, designed by Gaudí
• Divided into three portals: Charity, Hope, and Faith
  • Portal of Charity: Features tree of life, symbols of Eucharist, and Birth of Jesus
  • Portal of Hope: Highlights the Wedding of Mary and St. Joseph, Massacre of the Innocents, and Flight into Egypt
  • Portal of Faith: Depicts Jesus in the arms of Simeon and Jesus preaching at age 12

Etsurō Sotoo's Contributions

• Joined in 1978, adding Japanese features to the nativity scene
• Used ivy as a symbol of love

Apse Façade

• Contains the Tower of Virgin Mary (138 meters high), inaugurated in December 2021
• Features a crystal star at the top, symbolizing divine proportions

Interior of the Sagrada Familia

• Notable for size and light play
• The altar made from a 5-tonne porphyry stone, surrounded by columns representing the Evangelists
• Columns are slightly inclined for better weight distribution
• Use of stained glass to create dynamic lighting effects
• Total of 52 columns, representing the weeks of the year, with a capacity for 8000 people

Passion Façade

• Commissioned in 1986 to sculptor Josep María Subirachs
• Emphasizes Jesus' suffering and death, with an S-shaped path depicting key scenes:
  • Last Supper, Kiss of Judas, Flagellation
  • Denials of Peter, Jesus before Pilate, Crucifixion, Burial, Resurrection

Gaudi Museum

• Features the Maqueta Funicolar model used for designing structures
• Currently, 70% of Sagrada Familia is complete
• Remaining 30% includes the Glory façade and 9 towers

Conclusion

• Gaudí's vision continues to inspire and evolve
• Quote from Gaudí: "To do things right, first you need love, then technique."

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Key Takeaways

• Sagrada Familia is a masterpiece reflecting Gaudí’s philosophy and dedication to his craft.
• The project demonstrates a blend of art, spirituality, and innovative architecture.