The,Amazing,Sagrada,Familia,Te travel,insurance The Amazing Sagrada Familia: A Temple to Antoni Gaudi

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The amazing Catholic Church of Sagrada Familia was the last work of the renowned architect Antoni Gaudi, and was left unfinished after his death. Meaning 'Temple of the Holy Family', this work was taken on by Gaudi after the original architect resigned from the project. He started work on it towards the end of 1883 when he was 32 years of age, and when he died in 1926 it was uncompleted, just one bell tower having been finished. The original conception of the church was for a traditional Gothic design, but once Gaudi took over the construction he was allowed to change the design as he wished and the final structure was to have changed the original conception considerably.  Unfortunately, the Spanish Civil War that took place ten years after his death led to his plans being destroyed, so no record remains of how he intended the finished building to look like. The building work recommenced in 1952, but because the church is expiatory, meaning that the funding is by voluntary donation only, it is progressing very slowly.  The general plan is for it to be completed in time for the centenary of Antoni Gaudi's death in 2026, although no building relying on this type of funding is expected to progress at a rapid rate. Of its major features, the Nativity Facade is one that was completed while Gaudi was alive. Work began on it in 1891 and was completed in 1904. His contribution to it is evident by its design and the way it has been constructed. The observer's initial impression is one of a mixture of different figures, having a quaint appearance of molten wax.  However closer inspection shows up the saints and a variety of plants and birds, originating from both the Holy Land and from Catalonia. It also displays angels and the Holy Family represented in a very particular manner.  The facade that has been subject to most controversy is the Passion Facade, predominantly because it was not completed by Gaudi, and few of his hallmarks are visible in the work. It fails to offer the soft natural flowing lines of Gaudi, but is harsh and too geometric, having been designed by a Joseph M. Subirachs, a Catalan sculptor with a totally different style to Gaudi. Some like it while most do not, but if you take a look at it, you can judge for yourself.  You can certainly see the difference. The crypt was designed by Francesc de Villar, and is crafted in a neo-gothic style - he was the architect who first began the project and later resigned. When you visit La Sagrada Familia, you will find a museum that contains some of Gaudi's original sketches for the church, and his body is entombed within a chapel in the crypt. This was done as a mark of respect for a man that had devoted a large part of his life to this project.  Four towers have now been completed over each of the two facades that have been finished, making a total of eight.  The idea is to have a total of 18, with one dedicated to each of the four evangelists, the twelve apostles and to Mary and Jesus. Therefore, there are still ten to complete. Each spire is inlaid with ceramic mosaics and the words Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Hosanna in Excelsis are written on the top in Latin, meaning "Holy, Holy, Holy, Glory to God in the Highest."Spiral staircases are provided to enable you to reach the top of each tower or you can take an elevator that takes you right to the top. The views are breathtaking and you are able to examine the work in fine detail. The view of the central nave is also fabulous, and you mustn't forget your camera because you do not come across this type of view very often. As you would expect, the whole area is full of gift shops and souvenir stalls, and you won't have any excuses for failing to take a memento of your visit to La Sagrada Familia home with you.Here is some advice on how to enjoy your visit:a)  Try to get here early in the morning because La Sagrada Familia can fill up fast and it can get very crowded. Not only that, but there is a lot for you to see and the earlier you start the less you will be rushed to see it all. b)  You are highly advised to use the audio guides available, but keep in mind that you will be asked for some form of ID or documentation to hand over as security for the audio guide.  A passport would do for example.c)  Keep in mind that this is a Catholic Church and should be respected.  That means that you must dress appropriately, so no shorts or t-shirts.d)  Also try to visit at night if you can, because La Sagrada Familia is illuminated at night and looks absolutely fabulous.  This is the perfect time for souvenir photographs. e) You should make sure that you get good Barcelona apartments for rent or you and your family while visiting Barcelona, and that you book in advance because the city can get very busy during the tourist season.