Thinking about it, this cathedral has to be my favorite building of all time. This Roman Catholic church designed by Gaudí may be the most famous landmark of Barcelona - and with reason. Even though I often pass by this building and feel completely annoyed by the swarming tourists, it's hard to deny its unique presence. Its design is likened to Gothic architecture, modernism, and art nouveau. Construction started in 1882, and because of funding, fires, and who knows what else, the projected completion will be 2026.
For La Mercé, a very important local holiday, entrance to the Sagrada Familia was free. The four of us took advantage of this offer since we hadn't seen the renovated interior yet. I've been inside this masterpiece a few times since I've lived here, and I remember
posting about it a few years ago. Enjoy!
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The church has three facades: The Passion facade, the Glory facade (to be completed), and this one, the Nativity facade.
Straining our necks to look at the towers on the Nativity side. That crane is an eyesore, no?
Upon entering, the interior feels open and modern. There's also some prominent music playing as if you were listening to the closing credits of a thematic epic movie. That's not right, methinks.
An array of colors stain these glass windows.
The back of the church where it seems "The Pillars of the Earth" soundtrack was playing.
Although the genius architect died before seeing the interior, the columns of the Sagrada Familia are Gaudi's design. They replicate tree trunks and its branches.
Paloma and Fernando are in awe of the seemingly interminable columns. The circular decor on the sides of the column imitate a scar that is formed when part of the branch is cut off a tree trunk.
Geometric forms and curves and jagged edges galore.
More geometric details.
A spiral staircase is tucked in one corner.
The side of the nave.
On the bottom floor, there's a small museum explaining the inspiration behind some of the details.
The tips of the towers. I'm craving asparagus for some reason.
Now we know that parts of the column was taken from natural structures of plants. But do the plants know they were ripped off?
Paloma, my sleeping sling buddy, and I pose by the tortoise supporting this outdoor column.
A father-daughter Nativity facade shot, of course.
The Nativity side again.
Fun times, indeed!
2 comments:
Love this post, you got some awesome shots! I remember studying this Church in my history of Architecture course. It truly is a masterpiece!
YOU Look so much like your Momma in the "church turtle" pic, I had to do a second take.
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