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Inside of Sagrada Família

One of the most famous and iconic buildings of Barcelona is la Sagrada Família. The church is enormous in its dimensions, and it is often referred to as a “cathedral”, but it does not have a the headquarters of a bishop or a bishop’s seat, so it is not an official cathedral. On July 11, 2010, la Sagrada Família was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI and it was elevated to the status of a basilica. As beautiful and impressive it is on the outside, so it is on the inside as well. 

Saint Joseph Chapel

La Sagrada Família has a lot of significance and meaning on different levels. Work on la Sagrada Família began on 19 March 1882, in the middle of the feast of Saint Joseph with the laying of the cornerstone of the Temple in a special event with all the required honours featuring top leaders in civil, political, religious, and military areas, as can been detailed in the engraving from that moment. 

This date was specially chosen by founder of the idea of la Sagrada Família, the philanthropist Josep Maria Bocabella, since he was president of the Spiritual Association of the Devotees of Saint Joseph. Bocabella aimed to build a temple that would subdue the nerves of a society that was going through many changes in the late 19th century.  

san jose statue in the sagrada familia

It took three years after the cornerstone was laid, and after the lead of construction was under Gaudí, that the central chapel of the crypt was inaugurated. This would be the first of three inaugurations celebrated at the temple during its history, every one to commemorate a section that was finished. The archives of la Sagrada Família has an original invitation to the event, that was illustrated and painted with motifs designed by Gaudí for the chapel. This celebration also took place on March 19 1985, exactly three years after the cornerstone was placed.

The link between the works of the feast of Saint Joseph and the Sagrada Família are clearly noted in documents collected on the progress of work. The benchmark for the progress has been from March to March over the years to this date. On the 125th anniversary of the placing of the first cornerstone, in 2007, there were a series of events to celebrate the progress, including an exhibition and a holy mass. In more recent years, in the Saint Joseph feast in 2015, the chapel of Saint Joseph in the crypt was re-inaugurated after being meticulously and carefully restored. 

inside architecture of the sagrada familia

Sagrada Família Interior

The interior of la Sagrada Família forms a plan of a Latin cross composed of five aisles, and it is planned out in the following way. 

The central nave vaults reach up to forty-five metres (148 feet), and the side vaults reach thirty metres (98 feet). The transept (a transverse of any building, that lies across the main body of the edifice) has three aisles. The columns are on a 7.5 metre (25 feet) grid. But, the columns of the apse (a semicircular recess covered with hemispherical vault or semi-dome) that are resting on the foundation made by Francisco del Villar, do not adhere to the grid, which requires a section of columns of the ambulatory to transition the grid therefore creating a horseshoe pattern to the layout of the columns. 

The crossing rests on the four central columns of porphyry supporting a great hyperboloid (quadric surface) surrounded by two rings of twelve hyperboloids, that are currently under construction. The central vault reaches a height of sixty meters (200 feet). The columns are made with materials of different hardness. The longest and thickest columns are made of red porphyry, a very hard volcanic rock. The smaller pillars are made of basalt and the smallest pillars support the chancel. 

The apse in architecture is known as one half of a dome roofed area. In a church, it is usually where the altar stands. Immediately after the crypt was completed, Gaudí had the apse built above it. So the Gothic-style apse is surrounded by seven chapels and two side stairs to the left and right. The apse was completed in 1893 by a huge crowned dome that was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, that are supported by massive columns. Capped by another hyperboloid vault that goes up seventy-five metres is the apse. The intention of Gaudí was for when a visitor would stand in the main entrance be able to see the vaults of the nave, the crossing, and apse; therefore the graduated increase in vault loft. 

What is Inside the Sagrada Família?

The Sagrada Família, officially known as the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, is a marvel of architectural brilliance both inside and out. Designed by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudí, the interior of the basilica is a breathtaking combination of innovative design and symbolic artistry. When you step inside, you are greeted by a space that feels both otherworldly and deeply spiritual, reflecting Gaudí’s vision of creating a “heavenly Jerusalem.”

The interior of the Sagrada Família is designed to evoke a forest, with towering columns resembling trees and a ceiling that mimics a canopy of leaves. This naturalistic design is a hallmark of Gaudí’s style, blending organic forms with intricate details. The play of light and color inside the basilica is mesmerizing, thanks to the stunning stained glass windows that filter sunlight into a spectrum of hues, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.

As you explore the basilica, you’ll notice the meticulous attention to detail in every element of its interior. From the sculpted altars to the decorative motifs that adorn the walls and ceilings, each aspect of the Sagrada Família’s interior design is imbued with meaning and symbolism. The basilica is not just a place of worship; it is a testament to Gaudí’s genius and his devotion to creating a space that inspires awe and reverence.

The illumination

La Sagrada Família is one of mankind’s most impressive and iconic buildings for many reasons, combining Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms. One of the outstanding features the church has is the wide array of stained-glass windows. 

It is common for Gothic cathedrals to have stained-glass windows at the highest reaches, where the sunlight outside hits without much obstruction. In the lower parts, however, the colour filter is less intense. This distribution usually aims to offset one effect with the other, as a matter of balance, working to have more filter where there is more light and vice versa. 

Gaudí wanted la Sagrada Família to be the exact opposite and went for the maximum contrast. The more transparent stained-glass windows are the ones that are highest up, this way they allow the natural light to stream in to illuminate the golden vaults and mosaics that characterise the nave. However, the texts and illustrations are in the lower winds, where visitors can view and read them better.

inside columns of the sagrada familia

Gaudí chose leaded glass for la Sagrada Família, with the experience of over six-hundred years of use. The windows are divided by lead lines that allow them to be alive; move, expand and contract, and also it makes it possible to pick the right colour for each piece. 

The parade of colours that Gaudí desired to create can be admired specially well around the winter solstice, when the sun sets before reaching the west. At sunset, when the rays of light are almost horizontal, there is a magnificent phenomenon: the rays stream into the Temple nave almost perpendicular to the windows and the nave is flooded with the reds of the sunset, because of the warm colours. 

You can also see something similar on the Nativity façade with the cold colours in the morning, with the greens and blues, around the summer solstice, in June and early July. The show is spectacular at any time of the year really. 

Top Things to See Inside Sagrada Família

Exploring the basilica de la Sagrada Familia inside reveals numerous highlights that should not be missed. Here are some of the top things to see inside the Sagrada Família:

1. The Nave
The central nave of the basilica is a stunning showcase of Gaudí’s vision. The sagrada familia architecture interior is characterized by its soaring columns, which branch out like trees to support the ceiling. This design creates a feeling of walking through a forest, with light filtering down from the stained glass windows above. The play of light and color is particularly striking, transforming the nave into a living artwork throughout the day.

2. The Stained Glass Windows
The stained glass windows are one of the most remarkable features of the sagrada familia interior design. Each window is meticulously crafted to represent different themes and seasons, casting vibrant hues of red, blue, green, and yellow throughout the interior. The windows on the eastern side of the basilica capture the cool morning light, while the western windows glow with the warm colors of the sunset.

3. The Altar and Baldachin
The altar, located beneath a large baldachin (canopy), is another focal point of the basilica’s interior. The baldachin is adorned with intricate sculptures and gold accents, creating a sense of grandeur and sacredness. The altar itself is simple yet elegant, reflecting Gaudí’s intention to create a space that is both majestic and spiritually uplifting.

4. The Crypt
The crypt is one of the most historically significant parts of the basilica. It houses the tomb of Antoni Gaudí, along with several chapels dedicated to different saints. The crypt’s architecture is more traditional compared to the rest of the basilica, offering a serene and contemplative space.

5. The Passion and Nativity Facades (from the Inside)
While the facades are often admired from the outside, viewing them from inside the basilica provides a different perspective. The Passion Facade, with its stark and dramatic sculptures, contrasts with the more ornate and detailed Nativity Facade. Both offer a deep insight into the life of Christ and Gaudí’s artistic interpretation of these biblical stories.

6. The Choir Loft
High above the nave, the choir loft can accommodate over a thousand singers. This is a testament to Gaudí’s attention to both aesthetic beauty and functional design. The loft’s location and acoustics ensure that the music resonates throughout the basilica, enhancing the spiritual experience for all visitors.

7. The Museum
Located in the basement of the basilica, the museum provides a comprehensive look at the history and construction of the Sagrada Família. It features models, drawings, and photographs that detail Gaudí’s design process and the ongoing efforts to complete the basilica. This museum is essential for understanding the depth and complexity of Gaudí’s vision.

The interior of the Sagrada Família is a masterpiece of design and symbolism. Each element, from the grand nave to the intricate stained glass windows, reflects Gaudí’s genius and his dedication to creating a space of profound beauty and spiritual significance. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or a curious traveler, the Sagrada Família interior details will leave you in awe of this extraordinary basilica.