Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
avoids the pitfalls of Hell, and finds its way to eternal glory with God. Gaudí purposely left
the facade's design open for later architects—stay tuned.
• Re-enter the church, backtrack up the nave, and exit through the right transept. Once out-
side, back up as far as you can to take in the...
Nativity Facade:
This is the only part of the church essentially finished in Gaudí's
lifetime. The four spires decorated with his unmistakably non-linear sculpture mark this
facade as part of his original design. Mixing Gothic-style symbolism, images from nature,
and Modernista asymmetry, the Nativity Facade is the best example of Gaudí's original vis-
ion, and it established the template for future architects.
The theme of this facade, which faces the rising sun, is Christ's birth. A statue above the
doorway shows Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus in the manger, while curious cows peek in.
It's the Holy Family—or “Sagrada Família”—to whom this church is dedicated. Flanking
the doorway are the three Magi and adoring shepherds. Other statues show Jesus as a young
carpenter and angels playing musical instruments. Higher up on the facade, in the arched
niche, Jesus crowns Mary triumphantly.
The facade is all about birth and new life, from the dove-covered Tree of Life on top to
the turtles at the base of the columns flanking the entrance. At the bottom of the Tree of Life
is a white pelican. Because it was believed that this noble bird would kill itself to feed its
young, it was often used in the Middle Ages as a symbol for the self-sacrifice of Jesus. The
chameleon gargoyles at the outer corners of the facade (just above door level) represent the
changeability of life. It's as playful as the Passion Facade is grim. Gaudí's plans were for
this facade to be painted. Cleverly, this attractive facade was built and finished first to bring
in financial support for the project.
The four
spires
are dedicated to Apostles, and they repeatedly bear the word “Sanctus,”
orholy.Theircolorfulceramiccapssymbolizethemiters(formalhats)ofbishops.Theshort-
er spires (to the left) symbolize the Eucharist (communion), alternating between a chalice
with grapes and a communion host with wheat.
To the left of the facade is one section of the
cloister.
Whereas most medieval churches
have their cloisters attached to one side of the building, the Sagrada Família's cloister will
wrap around the church, more than 400 yards long.
• Notice the second
elevator
up to the towers. But for now, head down the ramp to the left of
the facade, where you'll find WCs and the entrance to the...
Museum:
Housed in what will someday be the church's crypt, the museum displays
Gaudí'soriginal
models anddrawings,
andchronicles theprogressofconstruction overthe
last 130 years. Wander among the plaster models used for the church's construction, includ-
ing a model of the nave so big you walk beneath it. The models make clear the influence
of nature. The columns seem light, with branches springing forth and capitals that look like
