History of the Church
In 1882, the people of Barcelona wanted a symbol of their dedication to their faith and local culture. They commissioned Antoni Gaudi to create this symbol for them, and the first foundation of what would become La Sagrada Familia, one of the most beautiful and complicated architectural projects in history, was begun. In 1883, Gaudi became the director of the entire project, a post he held for decades until he passed away in 1926 after a tragic accident. While director, he completely dedicated himself to his work, choosing to live in a studio on site. After his death, his associate architects carried on his work.
A civil war broke out in Spain in the 1930s, and as a result, many churches were burned. But because La Sagrada Familia meant more to the people than just a religious place of worship, it became more of a universal symbol of the people of Barcelona and was spared any damage. During the war, progress continued under architect Francesc Quintana, and due to the meticulous notes and records left behind by Gaudi, construction has continued according to his wishes, even with numerous stops and starts.
Purpose of the Windows
The windows are a focal point of the construction, with some stretching more than two stories high. They are designed to draw the eye upwards and inspire meditation on the divine. The heart-stoppingly beautiful attention to detail and the sheer magnitude of the windows naturally accomplish this. The stained glass designs also capture and filter colored light that not only illuminates but also adorns the striking architectural details.
In order to fully capture the striking beauty of these windows, one should learn how to photograph them well. Most historical buildings don't allow the use of a flash, so when you set up to take a shot, keep in mind that you'll want to use a long exposure to help get the most light. Another thing to remember is that to get a really good shot and minimize camera shaking, use a tripod to help support the camera. Just be sure to ask officials if it is permissible within La Sagrada Familia. The angle is also very important. When lining up a shot, try to get a direct view, if possible; if shooting at an angle is necessary, get back as far as possible and try to line up as much as possible with the center of the window.
Completion of the Church
The project to construct this basilica was officially undertaken in 1882. It is completely funded by donations from the local Catholic community. Due to this and a number of other obstacles and events that have slowed and halted construction, the basilica of La Sagrada Familia is still currently under construction and will not be completed for some time. The rough estimate is that the church will finally be completed around 2030.
Characteristics and Symbols of the Stained Glass Windows
There are a number of stained glass pieces in various windows and architectural features. The first few that were created incorporated symbols through both shape and color originally conceived by Gaudi. The main window in the transept, where the sculptures depicting the Passion are, is supposed to represent resurrection. Stained glass windows in the sides and main nave area will symbolize local important shrines and saints that are of particular importance to the people of Barcelona and Catalonia. The upper stained glass windows on the side naves will have an important phrase from Catholic scripture incorporated into them, while the central nave window will have no color and be made with simple, clear glass that will either be translucent or opaque to symbolize purity, which is also practical, as it will allow a large amount of natural light to illuminate the interior.
sources: https://www.blindschalet.com/kba-famous-stained-glass-windows-la-sagrada-familia-239.html
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The Power of Light in La Sagrada Familia
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Stained glass windows paint the walls around them in La Sagrada Familia. Photo: John Giuffo
Most churches use light to amplify the impression of divinity. Whether it’s through room-saturating windows at the top of the clerestory, stained glass designs that let in prismatic strands of light, or by strategically places candles or chandeliers, light is an integral part of church construction. Antoni Gaudi’s basilica is no different.
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This is the final installment of our look this week at La Sagrada Familia. We’ve glimpsed the great church from the outside, examined the decades-long construction, discussed the controversies over continuing Gaudi’s work, and looked at the ways in which nature has inspired various parts of the church. Today’s post gives us a bit of what it’s like to experience light inside the church, one of La Sagrada Familia’s most awe-inspiring features.
Light pours in from the tops of the columns in the church's nave. Photo: TimBray via Wikimedia Commons
The first thing the visitor notices upon entering is the size of the main chamber. With a stunning array of columns that are constructed to look like trees growing inside the basilica, the roof stretches far above the viewer, to a height that’s almost vertigo-inspiring from below. Light pours in from windows and electric lights positioned at the top, giving the impression of the sun’s rays poking through a forest canopy.It all contributes to a sensation that although one is standing indoors, one could just as easily be outside, in a crisp white forest ringed by some of the most intensely colorful stained glass windows you’ve ever seen.
And oh, those windows! Climbing two stories high, they punctuate the walls on both sides, and let in splashes of color that seem to dye the white walls around them. There are other windows, high above the main altar, that let in rich white sunlight, and climb to the top of the altar space to a summit that pours a bath of light down onto the proceedings below. In short, the church uses light in one of the most impressive displays I’ve ever seen.
Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/johngiuffo/2011/05/13/the-power-of-light-in-la-sagrada-familia/print/
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Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/johngiuffo/2011/05/13/the-power-of-light-in-la-sagrada-familia/print/
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As you can see, the stained glass windows are an essential feature of the church. Gaudí gave them the same expressive status as the architecture of the carvings.
From 1999 onwards, the painter and glassmaker Joan Vila i Grau has been in charge of producing the stained glass windows. He employs traditional techniques, setting the glass in lead strips in order to play with the shape and rhythm. Here in the church, he has followed the guidelines set out by Gaudí, who left several documents explaining how the stained glass windows should be arranged in order to achieve a symphony of evocative light and colour.
That is why the windows on the lower part of the side aisles are brightly coloured, whereas those on the upper half are in lighter, almost translucent colours. In the central nave, the windows are a combination of colourless glass of different textures, which makes the geometry of the vaulted ceilings stand out, thanks to the Mediterranean light.
So far, the windows that are in place are those in the apse; the Facade of the Passion, which are dedicated to water, light and the Resurrection; and those in the Portal of the Nativity, which allude to the birth of Christ, poverty and life. In the windows of the side aisles there are texts referring to the parables of Jesus.
Source: http://musmon.com/en/content/67/en/SagradaFamilia/16
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