The Basilica of La Sagrada Familia: a temple converted into a universal work of art

by Carlos Giordano (Illustrator), Nicolás Palmsano (Illustrator)

Photographs of the Temple de la Sagrada Família now under construction in Barcelona, Spain are annotated with detailed architectural notes and information about architect Anton Gaudí and the sculptors who have contributed to the cathedral.

191 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Stephanie (aka WW) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Basilica of La Sagrada Familia (the sacred family) is reason enough to go to Barcelona. Heck, it’s reason enough to go to Europe. The church, which was designed by architect Antoine Guadi, was begun in 1882 and is not expected to be finished until 2026. Gaudi was one of those artists that is not recognized during his lifetime, but is celebrated far and wide once someone realizes what a genius he was. This building is just incredible. I couldn’t take everything in. And my little iPhone camera couldn’t do justice to the walls and ceilings. That’s why this is such a good book. The only problem is, to get it in English, you have to order it from Europe. The only edition Amazon carries is Spanish. If you’re going to Barcelona, go through the hassle. This book is a must read for a place that is a must-see.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still incomprehensible to me that/how this magnificent building exists

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stunningly beautiful photographs of the Temple de la Sagrada Família now under construction in Barcelona, Spain are annotated with detailed and informative architectural notes and information about architect Anton Gaudí and the sculptors who have contributed to the cathedral since the first stone was laid in 1882. The symbolism of the images are also explained.

Part of the publisher's Visual Guide series, the book's format is much like DK Publishing's approach of striking photography with accompanying text. This text is more technical and detailed, and occasionally the English translation had me, a layperson, checking online English and Spanish dictionaries.

Here are two examples from page 94 of the text:

The sturdiness of the load-bearing columns devised by Gaudí after decades of study meant that large zenithal claraboyas of hyperboloid form could be included in the vaults that, along with the enormous hollows made by the walls, illuminate the interior in a harmonious and uniform manner.

In the same way the ogival windows and rose windows of neo-Gothic genre that go round the temple were planned by Gaudí in order to hold a new kind of stained glass, with a system created by the architect that consists of superimposing three panes of primary colors, resulting in a combination of new tones.

With the exception of "claraboyas," which is Spanish for skylight or porthole, the text is all in English, but often very technical English.