La Sagrada Familia is a large Roman Catholic basilica under construction in Barcelona, Spain. La Sagrada Familia is one of Gaudi’s most famous works in Barcelona and one of Barcelona’s most characteristic buildings. Antoni Gaudí worked on the project for over 40 years. The first stone was placed on 1882, on the festival of St. Joseph. After Gaudi’s death in 1926, work continued under the direction of Dominick Sugranyes until interrupted by the Spanish Civil War in 1935.When you visit the building you will see the contrast in the stone colour between the front and back of the building. The building is still under construction so be prepared to see a lot of work continuing when you visit. However this in itself is interesting, especially if you visit the museum inside the building.
The three portals of this facade are related to the Christian themes of faith, hope, and charity. The pinnacles at the tops of the towers are decorated with colorful mosaics with various textures. High up on the Nativity facade a spire with a cypress tree symbolizes the tree of life. A pelican at the foot of the tree symbolizes the Host and angels at the bottom hold chalices. At the top of the tree stands for God. A dove at the top with outspread wings represents the Holy Spirit. The three persons of the Trinity are represented at the top of the tree of life.

Currently construction is mainly focusing on the nave and the main southern facade known as the Glory Facade. This facade will picture life and death of men. A total of 18 tall towers are called for, representing in ascending order of height the twelve Apostles. The Evangelists’ towers will be surmounted by sculptures of their traditional symbols: a bull, an angel, an eagle and a lion. Another four towers represent the 4 evangelists. The last tower above the Nativity scene in the central section are the incarnation when the Word was made flesh and a scene in heaven when Jesus crowns Mary queen of Heaven. They are so strange that they inspire only looking; one becomes dumb before them. La Sadrada Familia will be able to accommodate 13,000 people. A lift and a long walk will lead you to the top of a tower from where you have a magnificent view over Barcelona. From this level the works a bird’s-eye view can be seen on the works.