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Discover the other Sagrada Familia that you can visit in Catalonia

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Although the sacred Family be one of the most famous monuments of the architect Antoni Gaudíthe truth is that Catalonia is full of constructions and buildings by the artist and his pupils, clear exponents of the Catalan modernism.

So much so that it is even possible to visit places that amaze the traveler who, probably, at first, were completely unaware of them. Proof of this is what we suggest you discover today: the other Sagrada Familia that you can visit in Catalonia. Do you know which one we are referring to?

Montferri

Montferri Sanctuary/Photo: Unsplash

In the region of Alt Campthe town of Montferri is located in the province of Tarragona, half an hour by car from the provincial capital and about 95 kilometers from Barcelona. If you walk through its old town you can see ancient houses with gothic arches and the church of Sant Bartolomeu (Plaça de l’Església, 43812 Montferri, Tarragona). In the surroundings it is also worth visiting the Romanesque Rocamora castlefrom the 11th century, and the traditional family wineries of cava production, such as Vives Ambros (Carrer Major, 39, 43812 Montferri, Tarragona). An essential stop if you enjoy the wine tourism.

But if there is something that stands out in this beautiful town of wine tradition With around 400 inhabitants, it is an impressive sanctuary that is extremely reminiscent of the Sagrada Familia. In fact, many people come to visit it, as it constitutes a site of artistic and landscape interest exceptional. Don’t miss it if you’re in the area.

History of the Santuari de la Mare de Déu de Montserrat

Known as the Montferri sanctuary, The Santuari de la Mare de Déu de Monserrat (Zona, Afores, s/n, 43812, Montferri, Montferri, L’Alt Camp, Tarragona) is one of the most beautiful in Catalonia. Its design corresponds to one of Gaudí’s disciples: the architect Josep Maria Jujolresponsible for works such as Palau del Vestit and the Monumental Fountain of the Plaza de Espanya from Barcelona, ​​among many others.

Jujol, who was also a draftsman, sculptor and watercolorist, began the construction of the Montferri sanctuary in 1925. November 15 was the day the first stone was laid. But the works took much longer than expected.

Were more than seven decades of work in which even the residents of the town had to do their part to complete the works, due to the lack of financing that the project encountered once it began. In fact, we must not forget that construction was paralyzed during the civil war. Then, the little that had been built collapsed due to a strong gust of wind. And the project would not be resumed until 1984. With so many ups and downs, the sanctuary was not inaugurated until 1999.

Montferri Sanctuary

Once you have seen it, the sanctuary or Montferri hermitage It is unmistakable. There is no lack of modernist design in its lines, but Jujol also wanted to capture a fusion between the temple and the land on which it stands, so he was inspired by the shapes of the Monserrat mountain rocks. The set thus constitutes a polygonal building which stands on a hill with triangles of various heights and dimensions. In the center, a central arrow stands out, about 27 meters high, topped with a cross. The entire silhouette emulates a boat facing the mountain.

But if the facades and the 33 domes of this unique hermitage can convey a certain sobriety, if you go beyond its walls you will see that the interior is generous in shapes, colors and all kinds of details. In it you can admire the Virgin’s dressing room. And behind its walls and wrought iron doors, you will see how Jujol was inspired by nature and Gothic works to give it a unique appearance.

The Holy Family of Montferri

Holy Family of Montferri
Montferri Sanctuary/Photo: Depositphotos

If you want to visit the Holy Family of Montferri o Santuari de la Mare de Déu de Montserrat de Montferri, remember that you can access its interior from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., except on Sundays. The price of general admission is around €4, while the reduced ticket is €2. It is appreciated that payment is preferably made by card.

Likewise, it is possible to make Guided visitsalthough for this it is necessary to make a prior reservation by phone or through the official website of the town hall. Be sure to come and discover one of those jewels of our heritage that is often overlooked, because, without a doubt, it is worth it. You can take some beautiful photographs and enjoy the gastronomy or wines of Alt Camp.

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