A bronze model of the completed structure.

A bronze model of the completed structure.

A bronze model of the completed structure.

A bronze model of the completed structure.

Gaudi sought to tell the stories of the bible through scenes carved around the outside of the building.

The nativity facade

Shepard's seeing the bright star.

The three wise-men

The nativity

 The church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In November of 2010 Pope Benedict XVI consecrated and proclaimed it a minor basilica as distinct from a cathedral, which must be the seat of a bishop.

Gaudí designed the columns to mirror trees and branches.

Gaudi studied the angle of the sun at various times of the day in order to design the stained glass so it reflected just the right shade of color.

Bronze prayer door, where the prayer “Give us this day our daily bread” has been inscribed in 50 languages.

Detail of the doors to the south west facade

The crypt below the alter.

The crypt is one of the oldest parts of the Basilica and the works were already well underway when Gaudi received the commission to direct the better known facade and towers.

The Passion Facade

The Kiss of Judas

The snake, a traditional symbol of Evil or the Devil, is placed behind Judas. The cryptogram contains 16 numbers. "The sum of these, in 310 different combination, always add up to 33, Christ's age when he died"

The flagellation in front of the Gospel Doors

The Denial of Peter

The three women may suggest the three times that Peter denied Christ. The rooster reminds us of the prediction that Peter would deny Jesus before the cock would crow. The sculptor has conveyed powerfully the shame that Peter feels with the cloth and the pose

The Passion Facade

The path to his crucifixion depicted on the bottom level and the actual crucifixion shown at the top.

Construction still underway.  Completion estimated to be between 2025 and 2040.