Gaudi Immersion

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Geo: 41.3769, 2.17492

Did a five hour, Barcelona Highlights Tour that was great. Then caught a public bus to Park Guell, that is full of Gaudi's zany architecture. Returned to hang around the city for the first lighting of the street Christmas lights, then strolled back to the hotel.

Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's crazy, unfinished church was the focus of the tour, and it was breath taking (and wierd)! Started in 1882, it was always intended to be built using private donations. Nowadays this comes mostly from the nearly 3.5 million visitors annually, who each pay €14. Construction is now well more than 50% complete and the aim is to finish by 2026, for the centenary of Gaudi's death. It would be worth returning to see it finished - it's planned to demolish a city block to accommodate the yet-to-be-built main entrance to the church.

Off to see the Concert Hall tomorrow (Catalonia's second most visited attraction) then drive back to Madrid, via Valencia.

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Photos

Sagrada Familia
Nativity Facade. The guide could have spent the whole tour talking about the fantastic sculptured details. Gaudi's intention was to explain the bible on the outside, and honour God (and Nature, his major work) on the inside.
The opposite side of the church is the Passion Facade (the crucifixion) and the front will be the Glory Facade (for the resurrection).

Sagrada
Lovely colours inside, now that the stained glass windows are starting to be installed. The main columns are made of different types of stone, depending on their required load bearing capacities.

Windows
Temporary plain glass, and stained.

Passion Facade
Much controversy when the crucified Christ was depicted nude. The sculptor, Subirachs, replied that's how it is described in the bible, and that's how it will be.

Guell Park
Upper and lower walkway. Each column was decorated differently but this colum gave the walkway it's name - the Portico of the Washerwoman.

Guell Park
Built by a rich man for his own and public use. The vision was for this to become a residential precinct, but the houses didn't sell. The predominant view of Gaudi during his working life was that he was crazy, though some thought him a genius. Some clients demanded their money back, but lost the court cases. Gaudi forswore private clients and dedicated his life to the Segrada Familia. He's buried in its crypt.

Comments

[Kerrie and richard Lonn]

All looks fantastic and we takes our hats off to you - because of the distances travelled and amount you have seen - How many more days away? Weather seems to be holding - lucky.

[robselclark]

I confess that relaxing at home is becoming more appealing! We get back in the evening of Thu 28 Nov, less than a week now.

[Belinda Vesey-Brown]

I love the Familia. We walked up the million steps in one of the spires. It was a fantastic view. Your travels look amazing. Can't wait to hear your stories in person.

[robselclark]

They wouldn't let people climb the stairs. The lift works now but you have to book a time, and pay extra.