Basilica de las Sagrada Familia

“To do things right, first you need love, then technique” Antoni Gaudi

Diocesan architect Francisco de Paula del Villar was commissioned to head up the Basilica de las Sagrada design but left after one year, at which time a young Antoni Gaudi was chosen the new lead architect. Gaudi proceeded to devote the next 43 years of his life to the project. His creativity can be seen in each and every one of the details.

Gaudi preferred to work with models in lieu of sketches and drawings and though his models were destroyed during the revolution, photos remained that assist the architects that followed his death to continue the Gaudi’s vision for the Basilica. When Gaudi was killed in an auto accident in 1926 the Crypt was complete along with the North Façade, called the Nativity Façade. Gaudi is buried in the Crypt.

Chris and John have had the pleasure to see many historic architecturally significant buildings. The Pyramids of Giza, Taj Mahal, Sydney Opera House, Acropolis, Westminster Abbey and St. Peter’s Basilica to name a few. But after visiting Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, our breath was taken away, and we now include it in our list of architectural masterpieces.