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Published: June 26th 2017
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Geo: 41.3879, 2.16992
Our second full day in Barcelona was filled with the sights of the astonishing architecture that is the outstanding feature of this city. Our morning tour first took us past three beautiful houses buillt in the Catalan Modernist style. One of these was designed by Gaudi but there were other architects just as famous here , We then travelled up to the top of Mount Juik, the highest spot in Barcelona. This housed the Olympic Stadium and other venues such as the swimming centre etc. All of this is still used by the local people and is now a tourist attraction. We stopped at the Miramar, the lookout which gives a fabulous view over the city and the harbour, It was a fine day, albeit rather cool and we could see for miles around.
From there we drove down towards the harbour and along the seafront, We passed by the statue of Columbus and the cruise liners mooring place. The beach area is very attractive and has a huge marina next to it. Some of the yachts there would easily be worth more than a million dollars each. We stopped for a short time and walked along the seafront .
Theo pointed out the remnants of the Olympic Village which was situated nearby, Fletcher recognised some of the areas where he was during those games.
Then it was time to go to the centrepiece of our visit here, La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's masterpiece which is still under construction. This was started back in the late 1800s and is set to be completed in 2026. There was a long period of inactivity due to the Spanish Civil War and lack of money, Now it has over 3 million visitors a year which is funding the construction. The roof is on and it has now been consecrated as a church but the final facade is still to be done.We first were taken into the museum which is situated under the main building. This chronicles the history of the building and has statues of Gaudi. Under this is the crypt where Gaudi is buried. There is a window through which we could look down on his gravestone. We also saw the workshop where they make plaster models of the different sections before carving the final part in stone.
From there we went to the facade of the Nativity. On this is told the story of
the birth and childhood of Jesus.The many sculptures depict the Bible stories in a stylised way but very detailed and beautiful. We then entered the church itself. The first thing that strikes you is the colour of the windows. These are all abstract designs in rich colours greens, blues and the rich oranges and yellows. The centrepiece over the altar is a crucifix with a very real depiction of the figure hanging thereon which is topped by a large halo of orange lights overhead. There is almost a misty yellow light which hovers above this coming from the windows. On the windows are the names of various saints and Theo pointed out Mary McKillop's name so there is an Australian connection there. We walked through to the other facade which is the facade of the Passion. On this side the story of Christ's suffering and death is shown, again through some stunning sculptures. The centrepiece of this is the crucifixion itself. The words of "This is Jesus, King of the Jews" is also written across the top.
From there we went outside. The tall towers, four on each facade, are topped with ceramic decorations in Gaudi's colourful style. We were told
that when it was finished the surrounding buildings are going to be demolished and gardens are to planted so that the outside of the building can be admired from a distance. This will certainly be beneficial.
We then went back to the hotel. I wasn't feeling the best so after we had lunch in the hotel I had a sleep while Fletcher went for a walk and found more interesting architecture. I had done what I had wanted, to see inside La Sagrada and was happy to rest and be ready for the next three weeks..
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