The Importance of Sagrada Familia’s UNESCO Designation
The Sagrada Familia is one of the most iconic structures in the world. Its unique and breathtaking design attracts millions of visitors from around the world every year. However, its significance goes beyond its beauty and architecture. In fact, the Sagrada Familia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for several reasons.
History of Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia was designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi in 1882. However, the construction of the church was interrupted by his untimely death in 1926. The building continued to be worked on by other architects and builders over the years, but it wasn’t until 2010 that the construction of the church was officially granted a building permit by the City of Barcelona.
UNESCO Designation
In 2005, the Sagrada Familia was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was recognized as a unique masterpiece that represents the pinnacle of Gaudi’s oeuvre and modernist architecture as a whole. The UNESCO designation was given to the Sagrada Familia for the following reasons:
- The Sagrada Familia is an outstanding example of modernist architecture and the culmination of Gaudi’s work.
- The design, construction and architecture of the Sagrada Familia are an exceptional testimony to the cultural and artistic values of humanity.
- The complex structural plan and artistic decoration of the Sagrada Familia display a unique and exceptional combination of art and architecture.
Importance of UNESCO Designation
The UNESCO designation of the Sagrada Familia is not just an honor, but it has several practical implications. Firstly, it helps in the conservation and preservation of the structure. This means that the Sagrada Familia will be protected from any harm or damage that may threaten its existence. Secondly, the designation enhances the prestige of the Sagrada Familia and draws attention to its importance as a cultural and historical site. This, in turn, increases the number of visitors to the site, bringing in more revenue to the local economy.
Conclusion
The Sagrada Familia is not just a church, but a cultural and historical landmark. Its UNESCO designation is a testament to its unique and exceptional design that represents the pinnacle of modernist architecture. It not only protects the building from harm, but also increases the prestige of the site and draws more attention to its importance as a cultural and historical symbol of humanity.