Sagrada Familia: Barcelona's Infamous Unfinished Church 

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Let's face it, historically, a cathedral taking 150 years to be finished isn't that unusual. In fact, it might even be common. And I have been to the Sagrada Familia, it is a gorgeous piece of architechture, and seeing it completed will be a truly special event for everyone alive to witness it. The world's last cathedral under construction will be finished, and you don't have to be religious to see how extraordinary that is.

There are two details I felt were really missing from this video: 1. How Gaudí used upside-down models made from strings and weights to have gravity do the statics calculations for his complex designs 2. That he died because he was hit by a tram and noone came to help because people thought he was a beggar.

"Infamous" is not an accurate description for the Basílica de la Sagrada Família. It is a labor of love, and a lovely place to visit, even in its incomplete form.

This guy has more youtube channels than blazers

Gaudi died because he was hit by a tram, he was on his way towards the building site. Not just because he was old...

I visited in March of 2019 and despite having been lucky enough to visit dozens of European churches and most of its most famous cathedrals, I was blown away by the experience of standing in the interior of the Sagrada Familia. I am a lover of architecture, not a religious person and my reactions to visiting other cathedrals have always been mostly intellectual, not emotional. But here, I had to sit down at one point just to try to fully grasp what I was seeing and avoid weeping in public. I will make it a point to visit again, and perhaps again - hoping to live long enough to see it finished.

I have seen it as a child, in my early 30s and 2 years ago when I was 56. Everytime it blew me away. The view from the top of the spires is amazing. What struck me the most on my last visit, the first time I saw it with the roof on, is the vast interior space and ow light and airy it was. The stained glass windows cast wonderful colours inside and even though I am an atheist, the place is special. All his buildings are glorious and worth visiting and in fact there are many beautiful buildings in Barcelona. I plan to retire there as the city captured my heart.

it's not an unfinished church . . . it's a work of art in progress!

Been lucky enough to visit Barcelona a few times and each time it was amazing seeing the slow build of the Sagrada Familia It is by far the most stunning and beautiful building I've ever seen and the inside is as described in the video, an amazing forest of colour and shape that makes it the ultimate landmark to the one of the most wonderful cities in the world.

Gaudi's death has been called "Barcelona's Shame." He was struck by a streetcar on the way to evening prayers. Because of his poverty and raggedness he was mistaken for a street person and taken to a charity hospital where he got substandard care. People believe that had he been recognized as their prized native son he'd have gotten care that could have saved his life. As a devout Christian, Gaudi himself is probably pleased with the lesson that we are to treat everybody as if we are dealing with Jesus Himself and give that person the care we'd give to the Messiah.

A Historic megaproject: The Dome of Cologne. Took around 800 years, survived a war heavily damaged and now they’re doing archeological digs in the basement while the roof is getting more construction. (Also gives a great view of the city)

My favourite building in my favourite city, can't wait to get back to Barcelona. Thanks for doing an episode on this.

I loved every of Gaudí's buildings that I visited while in Barcelona. That man was a genius.

May I suggest Mont-Saint-Michel, truly a MEGA Project. I've been there twice and I still can't comprehend it.

I gotta say .. that I didn't visit the inside but when I got out of the metro and looked back and saw one of the towers .. it was just breath taking.. and the more you looked at it the more details you would find ..

I was lucky enough to visit this last year and the interior was breathtaking. One side has cool-tone stained glass and the other had warm-tones, creating a beautiful spectacle inside.

I was there a few weeks ago visiting my daughter studying there for a semester and living beside the Sagrada. It is far more astounding in person. Even the locals seem to look up like tourists when they walk by. It is so huge but right there where you brush against it on the sidewalk- looks like cut out and pasted there. Something like this will never be built ever again which is sad- beauty for the sake of beauty has been lost it seems. I wish I could thank all of Barcelona for so much kindness to shown to my daughter during her time there-and how patient everyone was to me when my daughter wasn’t there to translate! I saw so many acts of kindness in that city- the feeling of community was very strong in the area around Sagrada- a beautiful place and wonderful people. A great place to visit.

I visited in 2016 and it was magnificent. Nothing like it really. Gaudi was a magician.

What a beautiful building. I'd love to see it one day.

Some cathedrals stood unfinished for hundreds of years. The Notradame de Paris, is waiting on its two spires.

2:55 - Chapter 1 - Origins 4:40 - Chapter 2 - New architect, new design 6:15 - Chapter 3 - Early construction 9:05 - Chapter 4 - The ensuing years 12:30 - Chapter 5 - What does the future hold ? 13:40 - Chapter 6 - Architecture as ever changing art

I had the pleasure of visiting Barcelona last Fall. La Sagrada Familia is without a doubt the most extraordinary construction that I have ever seen. You see people standing outside, staring upwards, pointing here and pointing there, trying to soak it all in. As magnificent as the exterior is, the interior is a delight itself. Soaring tree-like columns, vaulted ceilings, orangish light streaming in through the west facing stained glass. The building is unlike anything else.

I've visited the Sagrada Familia, 2 years ago, I'm still in awe!

Helps attract millions of tourists to the city. Barcelona’s government “ yeah you owe us £36 million”

Megaproject Suggestion. Longest deep bore ice core in Antarctica. Took years, loads of drama with it and they found some cool stuff like a fresh water lake under the ice containing previously unknown lifeforms. Would go Well with the other hole projects that are popular Speaking of deep holes, how about the Kidd Mine as well?

I really wish I had traveled when I was younger...Spain, Italy, Germany and France would have been special destinations. I can't travel now (physical challenges) so I can at least enjoy some highlights on this channel and others. Thank you, Simon! ❤

I visited the Sagrada Familia two years ago. It’s enormous but the real joy comes from the interior. Pictures cannot do it justice.

Awesome! Been an admirer of Antonio Gaudi for centuries.

In Florence, Tuscany, the basilica of San Lorenzo was a pet project of Lorenzo de Medici. It was unfinished when he died in 1492, and construction has not resumed on it. That's over 500 years.

Like a few others down here in the comments, I do not consider myself a religious individual, but that is quite the beautiful church.

I remember seeing it in 2010. Good to know it's still not finished yet

The neatest part of La Sagrada Familia is the fact that walking around the incredible construction site is a shared memory by millions spread over generations - but once it's finished; it's almost as if the 'seeing it done' era will begin..

Sagrada Familia: I gonna take over 140 years to get finished. Cologne Cathedral: Pathetic.

In my opinion, the Sagrada Familia is the most beautiful structure in the world. The lines and the way it infuses nature with architecture is simply awe inspiring. Seeing it in person is a must.

This is the most beautiful man made thing ive ever seen. Videos will not do it justice.

Also known as the building least conducive to being built in Minecraft.

This is one of my bucket list items as well as Neuschwanstein in Germany.

YAY HE DID IT!! Thank youuuuuuu!

137 years of construction is a very long time, but back in the day it wasn't unusual for gothic cathedrals to take at least 50 years, and often longer, to build.

La Sagrada Familia is a wonderful piece of Catalonian, Spanish, Catholic, and Architectural history! If you go to Barcelona, buy the tickets, wait in line, and go inside. It is one of the most breathtaking things I have ever seen!

It's the most impressive and beautiful building I've ever seen in my life. I couldn't get inside because it was closed for construction while I was there, but even just standing at it's base is awe inspiring. Especially at night when its spires are illuminated, enormous grey towers disappearing into the sky.

I lived for years one minute away from Sagrada Familia (still do), never heard anyone complaining about the noise of the construction. On the other hand there have been a lot of complaints about mass tourism that turns beautiful historic shops into cheap souvenir ones. Be aware that I have nothing against tourism, I'm a tourist myself sometimes, it's just the numbers that overwhelm. Don't buy in crappy souvenir shops please. Anywhere.

A monument to art and human creativity at its most brilliant. I hope I can see it in person before I die.

I visited La sagrada familia in 2001. I was 12 at the time, imagine my face watching all that weird beauty. I was stunned.

Construction of Notre Dame of Paris lasted from 1163 to 1363. Can you imagine someone visiting Notre Dame during his construction in 1250 for example and saying "This construction is very slow, it is rubbish. We have to stop the work because the original architect has died". Fortunately for humanity these stupid things are only said today.

Well, seeing as Notre Dame de Paris took 180 years to complete... they're making pretty good time. It takes time and dedication to make something that unique and impressive.

I visited the Sagrada Familia summer of 2019. It was absolutely breath taking. It's a an absolutely beautiful cathedral and I hope they finish it.

It's the most beautiful church I've ever set foot in. St. Chappelle in Paris being a close second.

I have visited many wonderful churches and cathedrals. This is the only one I was excited to visit for a second time! The light, color and textures of the interior transcend beauty in ways I cannot describe. The facades draw the eye and lead it ever higher, as all churches attempt to do. Though I am no longer very religious, the sum of the parts of this place are greater than the whole. I would love to sit quietly without thousands of other tourists and let the building speak to me! I have not seen every church and building in the world, but I would not quibble with anyone who says this is the most beautiful.

actual video starts @1:50, ya'll welcome

One of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever seen! Photographs cannot begin to do it justice!

This has been on my bucket list since I first saw pictures of it. I am not a religious man but I'd still rate the interior as the most beautiful church I have ever become aware existed.

What a wonderful video, thanks Simon 🤙👏

Have seen it 14 years ego when only the entrances were completed. The architecture is gorgeous

In '97 I was studying architecture & were given a tour of the construction. We went into the sculpture workshops and up the scaffolding to the roof. It was fantastic. They were really cracking on then; amazing that they're still going 23 years on!

Visited it when I was a kid some 35ish years ago, it was mindblowing. I would love to visit it again to see the progress.

A worthy mega project! Thank you for doing a video on this.

Been to Barcelona twice and never got to see it, I guess i need to go back a third time

I'm not a religious man, but I do love a good bit of artistic architecture.

I love the Sagrada Familia! Thanks for making this one.

Love your delivery on your various projects... also a great pitchman for your sponsors

La Sagrada Familia is one of the most beautiful buildings to ever be conceived let alone built

Wonderful video! I first saw the cathedral during the coverage of the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 and was immediately amazed by it! A stunning cathedral like no other!

Those Vessi's do look pretty stylish though, now I want some.

"My feet are once again warm" Simon says as he lights an ad money fire under his feet to keep his feet warm 😝 just messing. Love the videos on all the channels. Thank you for keeping me entertained.

Well written piece. I have seen the church, before the interior was completed, and the feeling of awe and wonder, is amazing. The finished interior looks stunning.

I have been and seen this church, well worth the visit

It's not infamous. It's a masterpiece and not supposed to be finished.

How interesting: a documentary about a building that someday will be considered as a masterpiece on par with Notre-Dame in Paris, preceded by an advertisement for sneakers that will be forgotten in a few years, maybe with the exception of those who wore them: eternity vs. transience ...

I would love for you to make a similar video about the "Cathedral" being built by Justo Gallego Martínez.

Bravo! I did my thesis paper on Gaudi in Architecture school and rank him as one of the most creative architectural talents of all time. Very informative, but if you ever edit this episode it would be of great interest to your viewers to explain a little how Gaudi used string and small weights to help inform the way loading would affect his uncommon architectural style.

Few things bring me as much joy as seeing Simon get to be more like Simon in videos outside of Business Blaze! Soon enough I’m only going to be subscribed to Simon Whistler channels!

Wow, that church is unbelievably beautiful!

Thankfully I've had the privilege of going to Europe in 1990. Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to go to Spain. I did get to go to Paris and Rome. This cathedral looks as impressive as anything in Paris or any other European city. I hope to have the chance to see it in person some day. Thank you.

Have you ever thought of making a video about the Noord/Zuid-Lijn in Amsterdam, it’s a metroline with quite an interesting story

If I had to pick one contribution we Catalans have made to the world, I would pick this magnificent building and work of art. La Sagrada Familia is a project that involved not only Gaudí, or the architects that followed him, it is a project that touches each and every Catalan soul. Standing in front of Sagrada Familia’s gates, you get a glimpse of what Catalonia is, the four bars of our national flag, carefully integrated into the basilica’s emblem, the anagram “JMJ” ; Jesús, Maria i Josep (Jesus, Mary and Joseph).

Great video. Thank you!

That is a magnificent structure. I've never heard of it before. Good job!

How about a video on the Arecibo observatory. I just heard that they have to demolish it for safety.

A-10 thunderbolt vid would be cool

Trust local government to cry about a building perminit from a time when you didn't need one.

Great video, thanks from Barcelona

I’ve been to Barcelona twice while I was in the Army. All of Gaudi’s work is amazing, but Sagrada is stunning. I would love to see it again.

Definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Barcelona.

Well done, sir. Very well done. Thank you.

Simon, maybe a Megaproject or Sideproject on the Arecibo Radio Telescope. It is going to be shut down and disassemble soon due to the structure being compromised.

Oh wow. I did ask for this a couple weeks ago... thanks Simon

Regardless of religion, the Sagrada Familia is a truly stunning building!! It’s also where I asked my beautiful Wife to marry me ☺️

Perhaps one of the best videos on RU-vid!

We made it to Spain! You should do the Madrid Metro :D

I have been lucky to visit this church three times in the span of 20 years. The amount of progress made is amazing. The interior is magnificent now.

Coolest building I’ve ever seen!

It would be cool for a video on the Arecibo radio telescope! See that its most likely done for now

Well done simon amazing

I am addicted to your channels dude.

YAAAAAY i mentioned this in the comments of another video, thanks Simon 😀👍

Simon please👏🏼why have you not covered the pentagon!!!! 💪🏼

so happy you did this i love gaudi !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Megaprojects suggestion: The Great Reset