Basilica de la Sagrada Familia: Catalan Modernisme as a Unifier

The Sagrada Familia is the most recognizable architectural project in Barcelona for its height and unique style. Construction began in 1882 and is still ongoing, with it recently becoming the tallest church in the world in October of 2025. It has a striking appearance as the architect, Antoni Gaudi, based his works on the natural world around him, notably Mont Juic and the mediterranean sea. The approach to both the interior and exterior of the church has created a space that unites the Spanish people and creates a place where the importance of religion in the culture is showcased. 

The exterior facades showcase the story of Jesus as told in the bible, with a nativity facade, crucifixion facade, and salvation facade. This artistic retelling of the story makes religion accessible to all in the city, regardless of age, language, and literacy. As there are two primary languages in Barcelona, Spanish and Catalan, ridding the need for one common language acts as a bridge between both cultures and even tourists that visit the area. This is important as people are more comfortable when they are surrounded by familiar things and the more comfortable they are the better their moods are. 

The interior is similarly comforting in its design. The columns and arches are meant to represent a forest, a familiar spatial experience. Gaudi intentionally used stained glass and sculpture over two dimensional paintings to keep in the theme of nature and organic form. The effect that this decision has on the space is evident, as instead of being overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in the building people can actually use it as a place for prayer and worship. The stained glass windows feature a variety of colors, one side being cool toned for the morning light that shines through and the other being warm toned for the afternoon light. Not only does stained glass have religious meaning, but the extensive usage has a positive effect on the viewer’s mood, facilitating a positive and comfortable environment for prayer and meditation.