The Passion façade

Here it is — the Passion Façade. This dramatic side of the basilica was sculpted by Catalan artist Josep Subirachs, who took on the challenge of interpreting Gaudí’s boldest vision. Gaudí wanted this façade to instill fear — to portray the raw brutality of sacrifice. Everything here is sharp, harsh, angular. We’re in the realm of suffering. Subirachs used a Cubist style to bring that suffering to life. When it was unveiled in the 1990s, it sparked a lot of controversy. Many said it looked too modern, too jarring for a religious monument, some still feel that way today. Works on the Glory Façade started in 2002 and it is still under construction today Once finished, it will be the main entrance to the basilica, and by far the largest and most monumental of the three façades. It’s entirely dedicated to the glory of Jesus Christ, so you can imagine— it’s going to be quite a sight. What’s fascinating is that Gaudí only ever sketched it out. Despite knowing he wouldn’t live to see it completed, he was content to pass the torch and leave this masterpiece to future generations. Now, let’s head inside. What you’ll find there isn’t like any other religious space. It feels like stepping into a mythical sanctuary — a forest of stone, flooded with light. Gaudí, often described as the Einstein of architecture, used astonishingly advanced techniques. None of the cathedral’s weight rests on the walls. Instead, the columns — shaped like trees — carry it all down to the foundations. That’s what allowed him to open the space with hundreds of colourful windows, letting the light in as well as painting the interior with a thousand changing reflections from dawn to dusk. I won’t spoil it any further. Welcome to the other side of the kaleidoscope.