Lego enthusiasts and architecture admirers alike have a new challenge to look forward to: a 12,060-piece set recreating Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Família. This ambitious model is the largest set ever released by the Danish toy company, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the death of the basilica’s renowned architect, Antoni Gaudí.
A Tribute to Gaudí’s Vision
The Sagrada Família, known as the world’s tallest church, stands at an impressive 172.5 meters (566 feet) in Barcelona. Lego’s miniature version, while significantly smaller at 62 centimeters (24 inches) tall, aims to capture the essence of Gaudí’s intricate design. The set features a stained glass window effect, mirroring the vibrant colors that illuminate the real basilica.
Rok Žgalin Kobe, Lego’s Design Master, expressed the company’s dedication to honoring Gaudí’s vision. “Our goal was to honor Gaudí’s vision with the utmost respect, capturing the rhythm of the basilica’s construction, its extraordinary complexity and ambition, and translating that into an immersive building experience,” Kobe stated in a press release.
Historical Significance
The Sagrada Família has a storied history, with construction beginning in 1882. Gaudí’s ambitious design included 18 towers, each representing a biblical figure, such as the 12 apostles, the four evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus. Despite Gaudí’s death in 1926 with only a fraction of the basilica completed, construction continued, overcoming challenges such as the loss of original plans during the Spanish Civil War.
After 144 years, the basilica was finally completed in February of this year. The Tower of Jesus Christ is set to be inaugurated by Pope Leo XIV, marking a significant milestone in the church’s history.
Availability and Pricing
Lego’s Sagrada Família set comes with a price tag of $799.99 and is available for pre-order. However, eager builders will have to wait until November 1 to start assembling this intricate model.
This release adds to Lego’s collection of miniature landmarks, which includes models of New York City’s skyline, the Eiffel Tower, and Rome’s Trevi Fountain, offering fans a chance to engage with architectural history through a hands-on experience.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
