The giant 12-pointed star, seven meters in diameter, was raised and installed on the spire of the Virgin Mary tower just a month ago, just before Christmas. However, the residents of Barcelona said that they are not at all happy about this significant event.
Before the pandemic, the district where the cathedral is under construction suffered from overtourism — up to 60 tourists came daily to admire Gaudí's architecture. Despite the significant income from tourism, local residents were extremely dissatisfied with the noise and dirt.
A crystal star on one of the spiers of the Sagrada Familia now illuminates the night landscape of Barcelona
Residents' associations have accused the religious foundation responsible for building the cathedral of distorting Antonio Gaudi's design by installing an "aesthetically hideous" star. Although the Archbishop of Barcelona described the installation at the top of the tower dedicated to the Virgin Mary as "a historic moment after a year of darkness and tireless struggle".
The residents also filed a lawsuit, trying to challenge the plans to build the stairs leading to the main entrance of the basilica. Activists say it will lead to the demolition of three city blocks, displacing approximately 1000 families.
Although Antonio Gaudi's working sketches have not survived, a 1906 newspaper La Veu de Catalunya published a sketch that, in particular, depicts a star on one of the six main towers
We remind you that the Basilica of the Holy Family was built in 1882. The original project of the architect Francisco de Paulo del Villar was creatively reinterpreted by the famous Antonio Gaudi. Gaudí managed the construction for two decades, and after the death of the architect, construction was carried out with many years of interruptions.
The Sagrada Familia has become a symbol of centuries-old long building. The cathedral was planned to be completed in 2026 by the hundredth anniversary of the architect's death, but due to the pandemic and protests, this is unlikely.
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