November 25, 2011. (Romereports.com) The Vatican is opening its doors to Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, the designer of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, which translates to Holy Family. A new exhibit called “Gaudi in Rome” has opened in the Vatican's Charlemagne Hall, right beside St. Peter's Basilica.


Barcelona's Cardinal Sistach took a tour of the exhibit when it officialy opened. With him were other Vatican and Spanish representatives, including the exhibit's curator who says it was no small feat to transport the exhibit to Rome.

Daniel Giralt-Miracle
Curator, “Gaudi in Rome”
“This is a miracle of presenting Gaudi in his essence, to try and impact the visitors, trying to bring visitors to the Sagrada Familia and finally if we can make them want to come and visit Barcelona for the total experience.”

The exhibit includes many original pieces from the Sagrada Familia, such as 19th century candle holders and lanterns. There are replicas of the church's famous ceiling and columns.

A short five minute video takes visitors back to 2010 when Benedict XVI traveled to Barcelona to consecrate the church as a basilica.

Construction of the Sagrada Familia didn't end with Gaudi's death. In fact, this has led many to question what he would think of its progress.

Daniel Giralt-Miracle
Curator, “Gaudi in Rome”
“If Gaudi were to appear here, it would be a real miracle, and I would give him my hand and say 'Teacher, what do you think?' We have two possibilities: one he would say “Great, magnificent, it's very good' and the other would be 'What have you done? This is how you interpret me? This isn't Gaudi.'”

A model at the exhibit shows what the church will look like at the end of its construction. But for those who have followed in the footsteps of Gaudi, they can only hope their own touch will be appreciated. 

Daniel Giralt-Miracle
Curator, “Gaudi in Rome”
“We've tried to be faithful to Gaudi, I studied him for a long time and I tried to synthesize Gaudi and I honestly believe that we have been faithful to the spirit of Gaudi.”

Barcelona's Sagrada Familia receives over 3 million visitors every year. Construction crews are often present since adjustments are fairly common. 

Even though people can't know  exactly what Gaudi would think-he once said,  'great churches are never the work of a single architect.'


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