Of Historical and Artistic Interest

The architectural complex follows the project designed by architect Enric Sagnier i Vilavecchia (1858–1931) and later completed by his son Josep Maria Sagnier Vidal-Ribas.

From a strictly architectural standpoint, it is a genuinely unique work, due to its location, conception, and development. The building aligns with the dominant style Sagnier developed during this period of his career, featuring an eclectic approach with classical tendencies, drawing inspiration primarily from medieval architecture, especially Romanesque and Gothic.

The overall design of the temple evokes a fortified enclosure, with the main façade opening onto the plaza and thick walls enclosing the rest of the perimeter. The structure consists of two clearly differentiated parts: the lower crypt, with Romanesque lines, contrasts with the verticality of the Gothic elements, culminating in the central dome and the image of the Sacred Heart crowning the central tower.

The complex is presented in a stepped hierarchy of materials: rough, yellowish stone for the crypt, resembling fortress walls topped with battlements and turrets; bluish-white stone for the Gothic temple, perfectly squared. A gilded bronze statue of Christ, with outstretched arms in a cross, expresses His redeeming love, embracing the city below.

On the façade of the Crypt (lower temple), featuring elements of Modernisme (1904–1909), are the sculptures by Eusebio Arnau: the Virgin of Mercy at the center, with Saint James and Saint George on either side, accompanied by the symbols of the Evangelists as capitals.

The three scenes of the central interior mosaic depict: the donation of the land to Saint John Bosco at the Basilica of La Merced, the Hermitage as the center of the Palm Sunday pilgrimage, and an allegorical assembly of angels offering the temple to the glory of God. It was inaugurated in 1941 and created by the Bru workshops.

The hermitage built in 1886 is notable for two reasons: it marks the exact point where the mountain reached its summit before any construction (518 meters above sea level), and from that year it was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The first stone of the large-scale construction had to wait sixteen and a half years, and the actual start of construction came eighteen years later.

Inside the Basilica (upper temple), with light filtered through intricate stained-glass windows, the large Crucifix stands out, almost stylized in planes, created by Joan Puigdollers. At a higher level, above the choir with its grand pipe organ, are the coats of arms of the Hispanic nations.

On the façade of the Basilica, the keystone of the central door features the image of Saint Michael (the New Angel Door), created by Arnau. Above the side doors are statues of Saint Teresa of Jesus —wearing a doctoral biretta— and Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. In the upper triangular section is a sculpture of Saint John Bosco.

After taking the elevator to the terrace, visitors can admire the twelve Apostles, crafted as large stone statues by José Miret, who also created the grand bronze statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that crowns the entire structure.