The Nativity Façade of the Sagrada Familia, completed between 1893 and 1936, embodies Gaudí’s naturalistic style, celebrating the birth of Jesus with rich symbolism drawn from nature. Facing the rising sun, it is divided into three porticos—Hope, Faith, and Charity—each adorned with intricate flora and fauna.
Key Features:
• Turtles and Chameleons: Turtles symbolize time and permanence, while chameleons represent change.
• Portico of Hope: Depicts the flight into Egypt with aquatic plants, reeds, and lotus flowers symbolizing purity.
• Portico of Faith: Features desert plants, hens, roosters, and an apple tree symbolizing wisdom and redemption.
• Portico of Charity: The central nativity scene is surrounded by palms, ferns, lilies, and birds from the Christmas carol El cant dels ocells.
Gaudí intended this façade to set the artistic tone for the entire basilica, ensuring its warmth and accessibility before the stark Passion Façade. His integration of sculpture into architecture creates a seamless, living representation of nature’s beauty.