Week 1 (POL 150) La Sagrada Família and Catalonia Independence

 

Week 1 (POL 150) La Sagrada Família and Catalonia Independence

June 8, 2025

Catalan Equality & Identity in Barcelona's Architecture

6/2-6/6

    On Wednesday we visited La Sagrada Familia. The church was giant!! It was was bigger than I expected and was very detailed and intricate with its design. The space was also heavily Political in my lens. The church asserts the fact that Catalonia is not just a region but a true culture with its own language and identity. 

The cathedral was made by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. His design and architecture are described as masterpieces of religious art. Gaudi wasn't just an architect but also a Catalan nationalist. This means he believes in the individual qualities and traits of his culture and wanted to show that in the details of his work. 

In the church, there is a heavy use of gothic elements and writing in the Catalan language. The church makes its own regional identity to push Catalonias independence and political control. In political science this goes with the reoccurring topic of nationalism.  Catalonia's push for better independence isn't just about government or economics, its about the symbols of their culture and La Sagrada Familia is the most powerful symbol in Barcelona. 

Visiting the church showed me how politics and culture are intertwined. In Spain there are many different ways to debate over nationalism. La Sagrada Familia is a perfect example of what it means to be Catalan in a country where their ideals are still being contested.