Without question, the most striking symbol of Barcelona is Moderniste architect and Barcelona native Antonio Gaudí's extraordinary, eccentric Temple of the Holy Family. His unique vision incorporates three facades -each of which has four towers- all dwarfed by a giant central tower. Due his ultimely death in 1926, he never realized his dream.
The central tower is still not built. Construction has resumed and hopefully, the vision of Gaudí will be made true. The crypt has a museum of Gaudí's scale models. The crypt was begun by Villar in 1882 and was completed by Gaudí when he took over construction in 1891. From that moment right up to his death, Gaudí built the neogothic apse and planned this ambitious temple.
He only saw the completion of one of the three facades with bell towers. That was the one representing the Nativity. In the 1950's the facade representing the Passion was constructed, and at the present time, they are trying to complete the temple with the facade to the Glòria -the largest of the three-
and also put a roof over the structure
Source: tourist booklets edited and published by Turespaña
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