La Sagrada Familia

Antoni Gaudi claimed that God was the best architect and nature shows us how to design- it is up to us to observe.  That is why you see spirals, fractals and parabolas in his life's work, La Sagrada Familia.  No one in their right mind would specify those shapes to the craftsman!  The ceilings above the naves remind us of multiple canopies in a forest.  The stained glass has colors from all 4 seasons, the twelve towers each represent a disciple and the three facades represent the birth, passion/death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The outside walls are liberated from load bearing to allow for maximum light penetration.  The transept pillars at the crossing are adorned with homages to each of the 4 gospels. 

Work was begun in 1882 by a different architect- and you can see the choices of classical gothic design in the crypt.  All of Gaudi’s contributions are above ground and represent neo gothic or modernisme form.  You have to see it to believe it.  But if you want to see the finished project- you should wait until 2026.  That is the scheduled completion date. 

The east facade, 5 large cranes in action, spending $80M this year, then $40M per year...money raised by private foundations and selling tickets.  John and I each donated one ticket !

Pillars dedicated to Mathew and Mark in the transept, looking West.

John did an absolute fantastic interpretation of his namesake's pillar.  He saw something that I did not, the cross near the base.

My effort for John's pillar...Joan is John in Catalan, I later found out that Joan of Aragon was not well liked by the locals, he was an outsider...