Roaming: Barcelona (Sagrada Família)
April 1, 2012 § 9 Comments
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Sagrada Familia (interior ceiling)... amazing!
Interior nave and spiral staircase, Sagrada Familia
Stained glass windows, Sagrada Familia
Me... Sagrada Familia, Nativity Façade
Detail shot of one of the towers, Sagrada Familia
View of Barcelona from La Sagrada Familia
After having spent a few days in Barcelona, I decided I better start visiting some of the more ‘touristy’ things this city has to offer. Of course, at the top of my list, was La Sagrada Familia. I admit, I wasn’t a big fan of architect Antonio Gaudi’s work in my studies but let me tell you… having seen this building in person, I am a true believer!
His imagination must have been boundless. As an interior designer that relies heavily on construction drawings to deliver my vision for a space, I can’t imagine what Gaudi’s drawings must look like or how one would even translate all the detail and angles and geometry of his work onto paper, let alone the spirit and passion he must have felt. How is this even being built without him?!
(History Note: the building was started in 1882 but Gaudi took over two years later and completely changed its direction, devoting his life to expressing his religious and nationalist passions through this building until his untimely death in 1926. Apparently, drawings and plans were destroyed in the Spanish Civil War (argh!) but the work continues at a slow pace due to lack of funding and its overall complexity.)
Anyway… the interior is stunning. I was completely awe-struck. I highly recommend visiting (entrance fees are syphoned for the continued construction progress) and if you’re not afraid of heights and long, narrow, winding staircases, do pay the extra euros and head to the top of the towers. The view is amazing and you really do get up, close and personal with Gaudi and his imagination.
designchickee 
I went there back in January; La Sagrada Familia is too fabulous! I feel even photos don’t do it justice!
Ha! Maybe we were there at the same time! I was there in January too!
Isn’t it just the most magical place? I loved it – it was my favourite thing in Barcelona. I really hope it’s finished in my lifetime so I can return to see it complete. Your photos are wonderful!
Yes it is! Thanks for the comment… I’ll have to look into your blog a little further… I love food blogs! And yours looks very appetizing! :)
Olga
When I was there a couple of years ago the center of the church was a construction zone. While visitors were trying to absorb every fabulous detail of the building, workmen with hardhats just worked away like on any old job. (I guess the key word here is OLD.) Seeing Gaudi’s work up close and personal is an experience of a lifetime. Thanks for sharing! Terri
Most of the interior seemed complete (although with Gaudi, more is always more so who knows…). But I agree… Definitely a special experience! Thanks for commenting, Terri!
wow, very nice!
gorgeous! i have always wanted to go to barcelona!
You NEED to go!!! :)