Barcelona

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Barcelona: To arrive at Barcelona we had to cross the gulf of Lions and Balearic Sea. The Balearic Sea covers over 30,000 square miles, covering the majority of the basin floor at depths ranging from 2700 to 2800 metres. The port of Barcelona has always been an important port with Europe with a 2000 year old history. Today the Barcelona Harbour is the leading European cruiser port and a most important Mediterranean turnaround base. In 2013 3.6 million of pleasure cruises passengers used services in the Port of Barcelona.

Today we are going to visit the towering genius of Gaudi. Perhaps no man represents the passion, creativity and love of Barcelona more than this artist/architect. From stained glass to towering, other worldly buildings, Gaudi is recognized as one of the greatest designers of the 19^th and 20^th centuries. Nicknamed “God’s architect” it was Gaudi, who created one of Barcelona’s grandest ongoing projects in the beyond flamboyant and spectacular Sagrada Familia. An awe inspiring, jaw dropping church into its second century of construction, featuring intricate spires, endless mosaics, and detailed stained glass. Not only did Gaudi design La Sagrada, he created Parc Guell, a breathtaking sanctuary noted for stunning views of the city and the mosaic dragon at the park’s entrance. On the 7^th of November 2010 the church of La Sagrada Familia was solemnly dedicated and declared a basilica by the Holy Father Benedict the XVI and became a holy place of worship.

In 1882 the foundation stone of a project conceived by Francisco de Paula del Villar, the first architect of the church, was laid. A year and a half later, Antoni Gaudi took over the work and turned the initial project around to create over 43 years, an outstanding, innovatory church which is still being built today according to his models, cast out of plaster.

Now that the naves have been closed, the church consists of 4500 square metres where 8000 people can worship. The construction is well past the half way stage and is ready to raise the four towers dedicated to the evangelists, the tower dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the highest, erected at the centre of the crossing, which will recall the figure of Jesus, and the four bell towers on the Glory façade.



After our most tiring day touring the sights that Barcelona had to offer, both Greg and I were hanging out for a cold beer, thankfully we remained in control and only had two.

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Photos

Gaudi's House
This is the house of the architect Antoni Gaudi who designed the Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia
View of the inside

Barcelona
Thirsty after a hard day's sightseeing, only had two beers.