Sagrada Familia's Stained Glass Windows Create Seasonal Light Displays

The Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, designed by Antoni Gaudí, features stained glass windows that create distinctive light effects during solstices. The late artist Joan Vila-Grau created the windows, with cool-toned blues and greens on the east side for morning light and warm reds and oranges on the west side for evening illumination. During summer and winter solstices, sunlight passes almost horizontally through the windows, projecting colored light into the interior. Gaudí reportedly stated that 'Sunshine is the best painter,' emphasizing his intention to use natural light to enhance the spiritual atmosphere of the building.