Begun in 1882 and transformed by Antoni Gaudí after 1883, the Sagrada Família reinterprets Gothic with catenary geometry, hyperbolic vaults, and stone “trees.” Paused during war and revived with computation and prefabrication, it nears completion in the 2020s. Conservation and construction coexist, guiding millions through an active site and UNESCO‑listed work of faith and craft.
Conceived as an expiatory temple, the basilica passed to Gaudí in 1883. He recast the project with branching columns, funicular (catenary) models, and naturalistic symbolism. The Nativity Façade advanced first; Gaudí died in 1926 with only a fraction built.
Inclined columns bifurcate like trees, distributing loads to polygonal bases. Hyperboloid oculi and ruled surfaces modulate light and acoustics. Stone, reinforced concrete, and post‑tensioning combine with digital fabrication for precision.
Civil War destruction (1936) burned models and drawings; reconstruction relied on photographs, surviving fragments, and Gaudí’s geometric logic. Late 20th‑ and 21st‑century teams used parametric modeling and CNC‑cut stone to resume façades and towers.
Construction cranes share space with worship and tourism. Wayfinding, timed tickets, and noise control manage flows exceeding 4–5 million visitors annually.
Morning light through the Nativity; afternoon through the Passion. Book tower ascents for views of Eixample.
