Today was our "Dia Del Gaudí". We spent the day exploring Gaudí's famous church, buildings and park. While we had seen the exterior of La Sagrada Familia church years ago, we’d never had the time to go inside. This day our morning was spent visiting the church. Words and pictures can't do justice to the experience (of course that didn't stop me from taking hundreds of pics anyway). It is such a unique structure - and awe inspiring. Loved it. When it's finally completed in 2026 I look forward to returning to experience the full impact of the design. After a quick stop back at the hotel to drop off our souvenirs, we set out again, walking past two of Gaudí's apartment buildings (Casa Batlló and Casa Milà) on our way to Park Güell. After a long uphill walk, we arrived at the park. Spent our time enjoying the sites and the view, all the while dodging the many tourists (very busy this day). Another long walk back to the hotel through many streets and neighbourhoods along the way. Unfortunately it was Monday, and most businesses were closed, so we didn’t get the full feel of the neighborhoods. (Next time.) We were pretty much done in by our day of walking, so we enjoyed a late dinner and happily called it a day. Mr. Gaudí and his fantastic creations have certainly left a memorable impression on us.
The exterior of La Sagrada Familia from a distance. Unlike any other church, or building, we've seen.
The exterior of the church is intricately carved. You could spend days looking at all the sculptures. This is the eastern "Nativity Façade".
The most impressive thing that hits you is the light inside the church. This composite image shows the eastern side (left), one of the windows that sheds the light (centre) and the western side (right). It is a veritable rainbow of colour.
The columns (made of different stone depending on how much weight they'll have to support) are meant to look like trees in a forest. The whole structure, and much of Gaudí's work is meant to reflect organic shapes.
This composite image shows the high ceiling on the left, with the "flying" altar piece at the bottom of the image, and a close-up of the altar on the right. A truly unique piece, and true enough, you can't stop looking at it.
More of the stained glass windows behind the altar, representing the rainbow of colours that are used throughout the church.
The western "Passion Façade" with a very different, more modern, style of sculpture.
A small building on the grounds of the church, now used as a school.
Gaudí's Casa Batlló, one of the apartment buildings that he designed.
And Casa Milà. We didn't go inside either apartment building - maybe we'll try that next time.
Up at Gaudí's Park Güell. This is outside the "Monumental Core" area, and while just an overhead pathway, it's still a stunning piece of art/architecture.
All manmade structures are designed by Gaudí, and carry his unique style.
Who doesn't love bubbles - and this guy was making some HUGE bubbles.
The entrance (or now exit) to the Monumental Core area of the park.
The main stairway up to the "Nature Square" on top of the columns.
An aspect of the ceiling of the Hypostle Room with the columns. This is actually the underside of the Nature Square on top of the structure.
The fountain in the middle of the stairs up. Hard to get a good picture without a lot of people trying to take their own selfies.
On top of the columns, in the Nature Square. There is a mosaic bench that undulates around the space making a very colourful statement.
Gaudí's house, on the grounds of the park. We didn't venture in - more long lineups.
The stunning view of Barcelona from the Nature Square. The entrance and Porter's Cottage in the foreground, the city in the far background. You can just make out La Sagrada Familia with it's construction cranes in the distance on the left side.
NEXT: (Day 18) Barcelona, Spain - Day 3
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Transatlantic - May 2018