La Sagrada Familia to get a roof after 127 years

[sillydoll]

One of Spain's most iconic monuments La Sagrada Familia, a humongous Roman Catholic church in Barcelona that has been under construction since 1882, will finally have a roof. Expecting to be ready by 2010, the church will then be able to host services and events inside its premises.
Originally designed by Antoni Gaudi, the church is recognised by its 18 tall towers and its architectural style is a cross between Art Noveau and Cubism.
What's most interesting about this structure is that it's not funded by the government or any church. It has been built purely on private donations and money from tourist tickets, the main reason why it's still under construction for the last 125 years. The church attracts about 2 million visitors annually and standard entrance is €10.
Word is that the structure won't be completed until 2026, but since its construction relies heavily on tourist pennies, even that date is debatable.

 

[MichaelB10398]

Ten Euros per person is hardly pennies, but the fact that it is built as monies are raised is of note. It is a remarkable structure and the differences in the sculpture fount on both sides is fascinating. The interior pillars are breath-taking each time I have seen them.

Sil, you consistently find the best stuff to share. Thank you.

Michael B

 

[BPS]

Ten Euros per person is hardly pennies,

Michael B

That's my initial impression as well $20 million euros per year for a couple of years plus donations should build one heck of a roof.

 

[Bert45]

I first saw the Sagrada Familia in 1969. It was wonderful and amazing even then. I have been inside twice since then. The second time must have been about 1975 and I could see that the structure had deteriorated a little – the tracery of a window (unglazed) had broken. The third time was around 1985. I hope to see it when it is finished!

 

[CWBuff]

Just visited it in November
It's almost finished... and what a sight to behold it is
I'll post some pictures tomorrow

The entrance fee BTW is about 30€ although it's cheaper if you buy the ticket online

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I just visited this unique, strangely beautiful and fascinating church this past October. Its definately worth the entrance fee and purchasing tickets online is best. Although on a guided tour, I was not aware it had no roof.

 

[Albertagirl]

I just visited this unique, strangely beautiful and fascinating church this past October. Its definately worth the entrance fee and purchasing tickets online is best. Although on a guided tour, I was not aware it had no roof.

@Camino Chrissy
The first post is from 2009 and the roof was apparently installed in 2010.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

@Camino Chrissy
The first post is from 2009 and the roof was apparently installed in 2010.

I wondered as I recalled being inside the church looking up at the ceiling. It seemed complete so after reading about the roof I assumed there was a temporary structure in place...oh well, I can be a duffus sometimes! Thanks for clarifying!

 

[JabbaPapa]

I hope to see it when it is finished!

It's wonderful that this has become a real possibility !!

When I first (and last) visited the Cathedral, in about 1972, it was thought that another century of work would be needed -- although of course no Cathedral is ever really "finished", but only ever reaches certain points in its history where major work may become temporarily unnecessary ...

 

[trecile]

I wondered as I recalled being inside the church looking up at the ceiling. It seemed complete so after reading about the roof I assumed there was a temporary structure in place...oh well, I can be a duffus sometimes! Thanks for clarifying!

The ceiling is amazing. I know that I have better pictures, but this is the one that I was able to find.

 

[CWBuff]

As seen from the roof of Santa Maria del mar
First glimpse up close
The last side to be completed


Entry
The fabled ceiling


The Altar

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Lovely photos, Buffy! I was going to look up a few of my own, but you saved me the time.

 

[CWBuff]

Lovely photos, Buffy!

@Camino Chrissy
Feeling better, arent we?

 

[NorthernLight]

The last time I was there ... 3 or 4 years ago, the front had barely been started and they’d only just started tearing down the buildings across the road from the front.

The group that is building it own most of the block facing the front, and the rents have contributed to the cost of building. The plan had been to tear down all the apartments to make space for the front & approach. As time passed, and the city grew, the issue developed of what to do about that busy road. There was talk of redesigning the front to create the building over the road.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Much of the work is now done off-site. With computer assistance they assemble large sections, transport them and lift them into place.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

@Camino Chrissy
Feeling better, arent we?

Yes, it's sunny, I went for my walk, and I have such nice forum friends, like yourself.
And you don't mind me calling you "that" nickname.

 

[CWBuff]

I have to admit that I was not exactly a Gaudi admirer. But this Cathedral totally blew me (and DW) away.
When we walked in and ...just got "HIT" with it all.... we started crying and...it took some doing not to immediately fall onto our knees (we did that later at the Prayer section)...and all that was going in our heads was "THINE IS THE GLORY"

To say that its stupendous would be an understatement. We also were fortunate enough to visit the Mallorca Cathedral where Gaudi was in charge of the refurbishment of the internal layout and the decoration.

Thus it is conceivable that I'll take extra time to hang out in Astorga when the time comes
I mean, come ON - chocolate and Gaudi ☺

P.S. I wanted to put up another post of some exterior sculptures of Sagrada but al of them proved to be too big to download

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I had no tears, but my jaw dropped as my mouth hung open! I've been to the Gaudi structure in Astorga and it's a delight in a smaller, different way...still very unique and relaxing to visit as far less people pay to go in...well that was my experience.

 

[David Tallan]

I went there after my Camino in 2016 and marvelled at the tremendous progress that had been made since I had last seen it in 1989. That also caused me pause when I saw the title of this thread, before I looked to see when the thread started.

This is my favourite photo from last time I was there:

 

[David with new Kit!]

Been there, done that and will defo do it again.

it’s like no other church I have been in.

I mean, stone trees instead of the more usual bland pillars, what’s not to like

 

[Steven Dwyer]

I was fortunate to visit Sagrada Familia last year while walking the Camino stage from Barcelona to The Monastery at Montserrat. The first visit I was planning to attend mass in the crypt but instead was able to attend the international mass in the main Basilica.

It was wonderful to experience the Basilica as a place of worship rather than as a highly instagramable tourist site. Because you are attending a religious service there is no charge ( a collection plate is circulated) and you are not allowed to take photographs. Unlike most church services, you do need to go through an airport like screening to enter. Since I hadn’t come expecting a screening I had my regular backpack with me and I was allowed to enter after it was XRayed and hand searched. I’m among a select few to ever have their underware Inspected on the way to church. Last fall they offered the international mass on Saturday, Sunday and special feast days before the Basilica is opened for tourist visits.

I returned again on another day to attend mass in the crypt. This is a much smaller affair, no XRay screening (I didn’t have my backpack, so don’t know how they handle that) and is also free. Following mass I enquirer at the sacristy door about a stamp for my pilgrim credential, told to wait a minute and then was taken by the priest up to the church offices where the stamp was kept. It’s a nice looking Celtic inspired design. I would attach a photo, but I am sheltering in place on the other side of the country from my credentials.