Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
A cathedral open for every buddy [sic], a place of spirituality with the Christian message, a place of fraternity for all.
—Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926), Catalan architect and designer of La Sagrada Família
La Sagrada Família (Church of the Holy Family) is an exuberant architectural allegory to Christianity that fuses Gothic, baroque, and modernism styles and makes dramatic use of religious symbolism. It is also gargantuan—with more to come. Although under construction almost continuously since 1882, the structure is expected to reach completion by 2026. Then, architect Antoni Gaudí’s “masterpiece” will have three grand facades—Nativity (completed in 1930), Passion (building finished in 1976, completed in 2018), and Glory (begun in 2002)—and eighteen spires (eight completed) in ascending heights: twelve Apostles, four Evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ (the tallest spire at 560 feet).
Meanwhile, worshippers and visitors continue to throng to Basílica y Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Família. The church’s crypt is among the “Works by Antoni Gaudí” designated a World Heritage site in 1984.
Whether you wish to attend Mass, to pray for loved ones, or to see Gaudí’s “Cathedral of the Third Millennium,” plan a journey to La Sagrada Família. Travel from Barcelona—El Prat Airport or within the city by rental car, taxi, sightseeing coach, or public transportation.
Tour the church with your family or a group of friends. Say a grateful prayer before whatever image calls you.
The consecration mass in 2010 was attended by 6,500 faithful inside and fifty thousand outside, with one hundred bishops and three hundred priests serving the Eucharist.