17/12/2022
Interiors and architectural features of the temple
Altar with the crucifixion of Christ
Altar with the crucifixion of Christ
The construction of the Sagrada Familia continues today, and the work will be completed by 2026. Despite this, the church recognized the building as suitable for worship, so in 2010 the cathedral was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI. According to Gaudí's project, each of the three facades was to be decorated with four curvilinear spiers. In total, there should have been 12 peaks - according to the number of apostles.
Additionally, a central, largest tower with four spiers around was conceived, which would symbolize Christ and the evangelists. It was planned to place a shining cross on it. The detailing with which the sculptures and bas-reliefs of the facade and interiors are made is striking. Gaudí made a lot of efforts to make the relief images look as realistic as possible. So, he manually took casts from stillborn babies, animals temporarily euthanized by chloroform.
All the external details that now exist are fairly detailed accounts of the New Testament. Today, facades dedicated to Christmas and the Passion of Christ are recognized as ready. The interior of the temple is no less complex and picturesque: asymmetric branching columns, colored and transparent windows located at different heights, the most complex stained-glass windows and murals. Through the use of the laws of geometry, the creator achieved a visual expansion of space when approaching each architectural detail. This effect borders on an optical illusion and creates an extraordinary mood for the visitor. Interestingly, the height of the cathedral is 170 meters - 60 centimeters below the main mountain peak of the city. This is not a coincidence, the architect believed that the creation of human hands should not exceed what the Lord created.