Sagrada Familia Architecture | Construction & Design

Architectural style & influences on Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Família is one of the most iconic and complex architectural works in the world, representing a fusion of Gothic revival and Catalan Modernism. Construction began in 1882 under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar in a Neo-Gothic style, recognizable by elements like pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and large stained-glass windows, all intended to elevate the spirit and direct the gaze heavenward — much like those in Notre-Dame de Paris or Burgos Cathedral.

When Gaudí took over in 1883, he retained some Gothic foundations but dramatically reimagined the structure through a Modernisme (Catalan Art Nouveau) lens. This was a regional movement blending traditional craftsmanship with bold experimentation. In the Sagrada Família, this appears in the organic forms, flowing lines, and symbolic ornamentation inspired by nature, geometry, and Christian mysticism. For example, the columns in the nave branch out like trees, supporting the ceiling in a design that feels more like a forest canopy than traditional stone vaulting.

Gaudí also introduced hyperbolic paraboloids, helicoidal forms, and catenary arches—all mathematical and natural forms—to create a structure that was both structurally efficient and spiritually expressive. This contrasts with the symmetry and classical order of Renaissance churches like St. Peter’s Basilica. Gaudí also introduced pioneering engineering techniques to achieve his vision. He relied heavily on catenary arches and inverted chain models to test load-bearing structures—methods later echoed in the work of architects like Santiago Calatrava.

The façades exemplify different styles and theological themes. The Nativity Façade, heavily ornamented and joyful, echoes Gothic exuberance with its verticality and intricate sculptures. The Passion Façade, stark and angular, is intentionally modern and dramatic, reminiscent of Cubist abstraction, capturing the suffering of Christ in stone.

Gaudí’s innovative blending of historical styles with natural forms and cutting-edge geometry makes the Sagrada Família unique—not just a church, but a living testament to the evolution of sacred architecture.

Stages of construction

Foundation laying (1882)

Construction of the Sagrada Família began on 19 March 1882 with architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. In 1883, when he resigned, Gaudí took over as chief architect of the Sagrada Família.

Sagrada Familia history

Nativity Facade (1894-1930)

Gaudí dedicated his attention to the Nativity Facade during this period, showcasing his distinctive Art Nouveau style through intricate sculptures and nativity scenes.

Crypt and Apse (1915-1923)

The completion of the crypt and apse, featuring innovative architectural elements and columns, occurred between 1915 and 1923.

Passion Facade (1954-1976)

Restoration work began in 1950 after 16 years of piecing together fragments of the master model. Construction on the Passion Facade was characterized by sharp, angular sculptures depicting Christ's crucifixion. In the 1960s, several frontrunners, including Le Corbusier and Alvar Aalto, petitioned against this interpretation of Gaudi's original design.

Central Nave (1986-present)

Ongoing efforts focus on the central nave, characterized by a captivating forest of columns and a majestic interior, with work continuing to the present day.

Glory Facade (work in progress)

The largest and final facade, the Glory Facade, is currently under construction, with planned depictions of themes related to heaven and hell. In 2005, the monumental cathedral was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Interior decorations (ongoing)

There are continuous improvements and embellishments being made within the interior to improve Sagrada Familia.

Who designed Sagrada Familia?

While Antoni Gaudi is credited with being the genius who envisioned the Sagrada Familia, he is not the only one who worked on the basilica. The construction of the cathedral started in 1882. When Gaudi passed away in 1926, the church was only 25% complete. Over the course of 140 years of its construction, nine architects have taken on the project.

Francisco de Paula del Villar

In 1872, Josep Maria Bocabella was inspired by the basilica at Loreto after a trip to Italy. He enlisted the architect Francisco de Paula del Villar to design a Gothic revival church. Construction commenced on March 19, 1882, under Villar's direction, but he resigned a year later, on March 18, 1883. By that time, only the apse crypt had been completed.

Antoni Gaudi

Gaudí took over as chief architect in 1883. He redesigned and transformed the church plan based on his unique style, which is often described as organic, original, bizarre, and even grotesque. He combined Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau styles while designing the cathedral. Until his sudden demise in 1926, he dedicated his life to the project.

Gaudi's Barcelona

Domènec Sugrañes i Gras

Following Gaudí's passing, his primary disciple, Domènec Sugrañes i Gras, assumed responsibility for the project and diligently continued the work until the Spanish Civil War in 1936 brought progress to a halt. Sugrañes had first met Gaudi in 1905, during his final year at the school of architecture, and the two collaborated on several projects, including the Bellesguard house, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.

Francesc de Paula Quintana i Vidal

Following the conclusion of the Spanish War, Francesc de Paula Quintana i Vidal, a collaborator with Gaudi on the Sagrada Familia, assumed control of the project. Under his guidance, the construction of the Passion facade commenced. Additionally, Quintana played a pivotal role in restructuring the Temple Board of the Sagrada Familia. However, his most crucial task involved the reconstruction of plaster models for the basilica that had been vandalized during the war.

Isidre Puig Boada

Born in 1890, Isidre Puig Boada first met Gaudi in 1914 while he was still a student. In 1950, Boada was appointed director of this construction. He continued in this role until 1974. His works El temple de la Sagrada Família (1929), L'església de la Colònia Güell (1976) and Gaudí's thoughts (1981), also serve as a great insight into Gaudí's political and social thoughts.

Lluís Bonet i Gari

A student of the Barcelona School of Architecture, he joined Isidre Puig i Boada and Francesc Quintana to continue the work on Sagrada Familia, most notably the Passion façade. From 1974 to 1983, he assumed the position of project director. During this timeframe, he revisited his architectural roots, deeply influenced by Gaudí's style.

Francesc Cardoner

Francesc de Paula Cardoner i Blanch, who graduated in 1965, worked along with Isidre Puig i Boada and Lluís Bonet i Garí in the workshops of the Sagrada Familia Expiatory Temple. Between 1983 and 1985 he took on the role of the director of the project. He was also the architect of the Gaudí House-Museum in Park Güell under the direction of Josep Maria Garrut.

Jordi Bonet i Armengol

Son of Lluís Bonet i Gari, Jordi Bonet i Armengol , took on the role of construction director and coordinator of the Sagrada Família from 1987 to 2012. During his time, the work on Sagrada started becoming mechanized. He introduced the use of computers and technology into the design and construction process.

Jordi Faulí i Oller

In 2012, Jordi Faulí i Oller took over as the architect of the project and is the current director architect of the Expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Familia. He joined the team of architects working on the basilica in 1990 when Armengol was the director. Under him, new technologies such as CAD, computer simulation, and 3D images were used to create a virtual plan of the temple so that the design envisioned by Gaudí could be recreated. In October 2015, Oller announced that 70% of the construction of Sagrada Familia was complete.

Structure of Sagrada Familia

The materials used in the construction of Sagrada Familia include concrete, stone, wood, and glass.

The primary materials used for Sagrada Familia are concrete and steel.

Similar to numerous other Gothic cathedrals in Europe, the Sagrada Familia is characterized by a relatively short height in comparison to its width and intricate architectural complexity.

The design incorporates double aisles, an ambulatory with seven apsidal chapels, and numerous towers. Surrounding the building are three portals, each distinguished by its unique structure and ornamentation. Notably, unlike many Spanish cathedrals, this church features a covered passage or cloister that traverses the narthex of each of its three portals.

Sagrada Familia entrances

The exterior of Sagrada Familia

The Spires

The architectural design of the basilica incorporates eighteen spires, symbolically representing the Twelve Apostles, the Four Evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ in ascending order. As of 2010, eight spires have been constructed, with four gracing the Nativity façade and four adorning the Passion façade.

The central spire dedicated to Jesus Christ will be crowned with a monumental cross, while the four smaller spires will feature sculptures depicting the traditional symbols of the Evangelists—a bull (Saint Luke), a winged man (Saint Matthew), an eagle (Saint John), and a lion (Saint Mark). Upon completion, the Sagrada Família is poised to become the tallest church building in the world, a testament to its awe-inspiring design and symbolism.

The Walls

In the construction of the Sagrada Família, the external walls bear the sole responsibility of supporting their own weight, as the weight and pressure from the vaults are transferred to the floor through internal columns.

These walls feature numerous openings such as rose windows, ogives, and large windows, that serve to significantly reduce the overall weight of the walls.

Antoni Gaudí employed hyperboloids extensively, aiming to implement the most effective technical and aesthetic solutions. This choice allowed sculptors to craft intricate details, including depictions of musician angels, singing angels, and the terminations of the pediments on these walls.

The Roofs

The elevated roofs of the central nave feature a succession of interconnected pyramids, linked to both each other and the expansive windows by sizable paraboloids. These structures are topped with lampposts that incorporate references to the Holy Family.

The roof and vault, reaching approximately 25 meters, are organized into four levels, each connected by small spiral staircases. Meanwhile, the flat roofs of the lateral naves are designed to accommodate larger windows in the upper walls of the central nave.

This architectural configuration not only provides structural support but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the Sagrada Família's roofscape

The interior of Sagrada Familia

Much like the exterior of the Sagrada Familia, the interiors are a showcase of Gaudi’s gothic naturalism architectural style.

The Columns

Within the Sagrada Familia, the interior columns are crafted from various materials, each chosen to symbolize the hardness of distinct types of rock.

The tallest and most robust columns are constructed from a coarse volcanic rock known as red porphyry. These particular columns provide essential support to the central five towers of the Sagrada Familia.

Smaller and darker columns, composed of basalt, form the outer row of columns that uphold the basilica.

The smallest columns are crafted from granite sourced from Montjuïc. The deliberate selection of these materials not only serves structural purposes but also contributes to the aesthetic and symbolic richness of the interior architecture.

The Altar

An apse is a semicircular area inside a church, typically located behind the altar. The Sagrada Familia crypt is situated inside this half-circle area. Antoni Gaudí is among those buried in the crypt, as are other important figures in the history of architecture. Stairs leading to the upper levels are located on either side of the apse. The inside of the apse contains seven chapels, each with a different design and purpose.

To one side of the apse is a throne upon which Jesus Christ sits while on the cross. Surrounding the cross are sizeable stained glass windows. These windows fill the inside with light and color that change throughout the day. Behind the altar is another set of stairs leading to organ pipes that produce solemn music.

The Naves

Sagrada Familia's interior has five naves.

The central nave rises higher and farther than the others, connecting with the transept on one side and ending in the choir with its chapels at the rear.

The altar stands before an impressive set of stained glass windows

The Chapels

In the upper semicircular portion of the church, seven chapels encircle a central ambulatory and altar area. Stained glass windows adorn the space, heralding the arrival of the Messiah, invoked through seven distinct names.

The initials of each name combine to form the Latin phrase "Ero Cras," translating to "Tomorrow I will arrive."

Experiencing the UNESCO World Heritage architecture in person

Standing before the Sagrada Familia, you don’t just see architecture. You feel it. Gaudí’s vision rises like a sacred forest carved in stone, where every column branches like a tree and colored light pours through stained-glass windows like sunlight through leaves.

Inside, silence feels reverent, as if you’ve stepped into a cathedral designed not only to impress but to uplift the soul. The soaring nave, bathed in jewel-toned light, makes visitors instinctively tilt their heads back in awe. Some sit quietly just to take it all in, overcome by the geometric harmony.

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The play of form and function rivals that of Notre-Dame, but with a surreal, dreamlike quality that’s uniquely Catalan. Gaudí once said, “Nothing is art if it does not come from nature.” Nowhere is that more evident than here. This architectural marvel serves as an extraordinary example of the synthesis between modern and traditional Gothic styles.

Sagrada Familia was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Gaudí envisioned the church as a unifying symbol, bringing together all religions through the use of modern engineering technology and new materials.

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Frequently asked questions about Sagrada Familia architecture

Why is Sagrada Familia's architecture famous?

The Sagrada Familia architecture is famous for its unusual construction style and modern engineering technology.

What was Sagrada Familia inspired by?

Sagrada Familia was inspired by the Loreto Basilica in Italy. The founder of the Spiritual Association of Devotees of St John, Josep Maria Bocabella visited Italy in 1872 and was inspired to create a similar church in Barcelona.

Where can I buy tickets to Sagrada Familia?

You can purchase Sagrada Familia tickets online.

How is the Sagrada Familia funded?

The construction is funded through private donations, ticket sales, and various fundraising initiatives.

What is the significance of the Latin phrase "Ero Cras" associated with the chapels?

"Ero Cras" means "Tomorrow I will arrive" and is formed by combining the initials of names in the stained glass windows, symbolizing the anticipation of the Messiah's arrival.

How many spires does the Sagrada Familia have, and what do they represent?

The Sagrada Familia is planned to have 18 spires. They symbolize the Twelve Apostles, the Four Evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ.