Nothing is art if it does not come from nature. – Antoni Gaudí
Planning a trip to Barcelona with your family?
We propose to enjoy all cultural options searching a fun way for our kids to discover them with the whole family together. Gaudí’s monuments are perfect for this. Gaudí loved nature and transformed his art in fantastic constructions attractive for kids.
So, it’s time to play!
“I Spy with My Little Eye” 10 animals at Sagrada Familia:
The Nativity Façade:
It was the first to be completed, and the building work took the last two decades of the 19th century and the first third of the 20th. It is the wonder of nature in nascent state, creator of all that exists and in constant transformation.
The tree of life:
It crowns the Nativity façade. Gaudí used a cypress representing immortal life and the incorruptible.
- Dove: flying towards this tree in the form of white doves are the pure souls that wait to enter paradise.
- Pelican: sculptural group comprising the pelican, with two angels carrying the bread and wine, symbol of Eucharist.
Charity Doorway:
This portico, the central one, is the largest on the facade. The entrance is divided by the Column of Jesus, with the scene of the nativity as its capital.
- Ladybug: one of the insects that evokes the typical fauna of the place where Jesus was born.
- Turtle: symbolise the unchanging. The one nearest the sea is a turtle and the one on the inland side is a land tortoise.
- Chicken: The adoration of the three kings appears like a monumental nativity and, on their pedestal, chickens from the Christmas feast.
The outside of the Apse:
Can you see the stained glass windows at this side? Their job is to illuminate the seven chapels in the apse, behind the high altar.
- Snail: clinging the outside of the building, “without being able to come in”, because of its moderately demoniacal nature, yet doing the beneficial work of gargoyle in channelling off the rainwater.
- Chameleon: represent constant change in the natural world.
The Passion Façade:
Dedicated to the Passion of Christ, the suffering of Jesus during his crucifixion, the façade was intended to portray the sins of man. Construction began in 1954, following the drawings and instructions left by Gaudí for future architects and sculptors.
- Dog: symbol of loyalty.
- Cock: announces the dawn and the fulfilment of the prophecy that Jesus made to Peter: “Before the cock crows you will have denied me three times”.
- Snake: symbol of temptation.
Note: You can find more than 30 different animals at Sagrada Familia.
Tip: Avoid children impatience booking the Gaudí Tour. Skip the line at Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló. Discover the legend of Saint George and the dragon represented on the façade of Casa Batlló.
Have you found more animals at Sagrada Familia?
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