Sagrada Familia - The symbol of Barcelona
VerenaHi everyone!
How is everything going? Today I will tell you about my favourite monument in Barcelona: ‘La Sagrada Familia’ - The Sacred Family. When I was 12 years old I visited it for the first time and when I came back this year I went straight away to see what changes had been made. I know people say that there are a lot of building works, well, there are some but that doesn’t change the beauty of this church, which is really worth a visit!!
Let´s start with some pracitcal information. The Sagrada Familia has its own subway station, so you can´t miss it. With a student card the entrance shouldn’t be that expensive, at least it wasn´t when I went the last time. Once you are there you can lend audio guides or you can go on a guided tour, which I prefer, as you can ask as many questions as you want! 
You might not believe it but the first stone of the church was placed in 1882, 125 years ago! After some disagreements Antonio Gaudí was selected as architect of the church in 1883. It was he who designed its shapes, form, symbolism and colors to create the unique mosaic that it is today.
The church is divided in different parts, the most obvious are the ‘Passion façade’ which represent the passion and the death of Jesus Christ and the ‘Nativity façade’ which is dedicated to the birth of Jesus and his life. You have to have a closer look at the Nativity façade, there´s an angel who has a hidden face on his dress. Let´s see whether you can find it! 
Besides the two façades there´s much more to discover! Every little thing in the church has it´s own meaning.
As you may know Gaudí was dedicated to nature, so he put a lot of natural shapes in the church. You can find “trees”, “flowers”, “fruits” and much more! I advise you to visit the museum which is in the back part of the church. There you can take your time to find out more about Sagrada Familia, it´s construction and all significations of the different parts.
Probably you have one last question: When will they finally finish the Sagrada Familia? It´s suposed to be finished in 2026, the centenary of Gaudís’ death. Well, I guess you’ll meet me there!!!
Verena
