At first glance the Sagrada Família is majestic and breathtaking and with this it has been recognized as the universal symbol of Barcelona, Catalonia, the capital of Spain, and is unmistakably one of the most magnificent structures ever erected in this region. Spain is rooted in cultural tradition and its rich history is believed to date back approximately four hundred years to the founding of Rome. Thus, exposing the basis and importance of the history and belief of this culture to wrap their hearts around the place that has become what Barcelona is recognized for. The design of the Sagrada Família was perfected by Antoni Gaudi, an architect who was innovative and forward-thinking in his creations and who meticulously incorporated not only religious iconography, but also combined centuries-old symbols throughout the interior and exterior facade of this impressive structure to tell the story of faith in Jesus Christ. To understand the uniqueness of the Sagrada Família and why it has become known as a building designed like no other, it is important to know the background of the architect who led the journey of the monumental task of designing and building the Sagrada Família. Antoni Gaudi, a Spanish architect, was ahead of his time with innovation in the architectural design and space of commercial and residential buildings and was considered a pioneer in his field during the latter part of the 19th century and early 20th century , as recorded in history. Gaudi was influenced as a student by a romantic and symbolist conception of the Middle Ages as a golden age, which for him and other Spanish artists became a symbol of Catalonia's nascent nationalism (Arnason and Mansfield 99). Mo...... middle of paper ......bulls who traveled from all over the world to see this creation of inexplicable proportions.Works CitedAlvarez, Francesc. Interior of Barcelona. Barcelona. Loft Publications. 2001. Print.Arnason, H.H., and Elizabeth C. Mansfield. History of modern art: painting sculpture architecture photography. 6th ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2010. Print.Crippa, Marie Antoinette. Antoni Gaudí. Germany. Pockets. 2003. Print.Fargas, Albert. Symbolism of the Temple of the Sagrada Família. Minorca. Triangular posts. Print.Burry, Mark, Joan Bassegoda I Nonell, Jordi Bonet I Armengol, Jan Molema, Claudi Alsina I Català, Josep Gómez Serrano, Jos Tomlow, Jordi Faulí I Oller, Jordi Coll I Grifoll, Ramon Espel I Rosell. Gaudi invisible: completion of the Sagrada Familia. Berlin. Jovis. 2007. Print.
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