TRAVEL DIARY BARCELONA 2:
It is not unusual to walk down the streets of Barcelona and not see art in whichever way or form.
From Casa Batllo we walked about 10 minutes and we reached another of Gaudi’s masterpieces, Casa Mila, more popularly known as La Pedrera (meaning stone quarry in Catalan).
We didn’t go inside anymore and just viewed it from outside.
Then it was lunch of empanadas. There’s nothing like hot, fresh empanadas straight out of the oven… a dish popular in Spain.
After lunch we continued exploring the stunning streets and expansive avenues which were filled with captivating architecture and sculptures. This makes it an enriching experience.
And this is our first view of the Sagrada Familia. Come with ne and discover the most visited monument in Spain: La Sagrada Familia!
Walked a bit more and when we saw a bunch of people looking up, we knew that we have reached the Sagrada Familia. This is the main reason why we are here in Barcelona.
We crossed the street to catch a glimpse of the cathedral from the opposite side. Seated, we waited for our designated entry time beneath the sprawling foliage of a massive tree.
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Sagrada Família construction started in 1882 under architect Villar. Gaudí took over in 1883, fusing Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. He dedicated his life to it, buried in the church’s crypt. By his 1926 death, only a quarter was finished.
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At exactly 3:45 that was when we were allowed to enter from this leaf-covered doors of the Nativity Facade. Another example of Gaudi’s modernisme style.
The Nativity Facade represents the birth of Jesus. Here are close up shots of the Nativity with some shepherds and the three kings bearing gifts with full and rich details.
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The Nativity facade was constructed between 1894 and 1930 and is the only part of the Sagrada Familia that Gaudi saw built during his lifetime.
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I know the facade is impressive but entering the cathedral reveals an even more awe-inspiring interior. It has a remarkable centerpiece depicting Christ on a cross beneath a striking baldachin.
Stepping into the main nave of the Sagrada Familia is like entering a forest of towering columns. These columns branch upwards, forming like a canopy of trees.
The colorful stained glass windows adorning the Sagrada Familia are truly breathtaking.
If you are lucky enough to visit during sunset as we did and seeing the sunlight streaming through these windows … wow it is just magical. It creates a special treat from the spectacle of colors and reflections inside.
After having admired the architecture and the light display for maybe an hour or more, we exited the basilica.
This is the Passion Facade which represents the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ.
If you look closely, the side naves are topped with baskets of fruit.
The church dominates the Barcelona skyline and you can see in one of the photos that the site is still in construction.. I wonder how this will look like after the completion of Gaudi’s vision.
And nothing better to view the basilica one last time over a meal before going back to our hotel. It was past 5 but the sun was still bright as.
Lovely place, Barcelona. Two aunts, an uncle and several cousins live there.🥰
It is really awesome to see the interior with the sunlight. Have you been Arlene? Super ganda !!!
Haven’t travelled yet Techie. My aunts and uncle are dad’s half-siblings. They have have been there for decades na.
It takes your breath away, doesn’t it, Teresa? I don’t think there is a more magnificent creation in our universe. Thanks for sharing!
I agree with what you said. It is really mesmerising. We did the correct decision of going back to see it again. I am a happy girl now haha
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It was wonderful to see the progress in building Teresa. I have seen the Sagrada twice, 2009 and 2015. It is an experience 🙂
Yes, when we went in 2016 there were so many cranes that we weren’t able to appreciate its beauty that much. This time however, it is not too bad.
It looks so much busier than when we visited back in c 1996! No pre-booking then, we just walked in 🙂 But you seem to have timed your visit well, with that beautiful sunshine streaming in through the windows, and you got plenty of time to really appreciate this amazing building. Thanks for sharing it and bringing back good memories 😀
Going in these iconic places are so busy these days. I even booked several months in advance just to be sure. Lucky it was very sunny when we went so we got that amazing reflections. Thanks Sarah ❤️
Got to love Gaudi. Barcelona is such a lovely city, looks like you saw the best of it.
That is so true. Can’t get enough of Gaudi and Barcelona. Thanks for stopping by.
Great captures of a fascinating place. We didn’t go inside so it was nice you brought that to us here. And the food! Yum!
Glad to share it, but my photos don’t justify it’s beauty. And Asian food is good to have after a long time of not having it.
That is a magnificent place. Your photos are stunning.
Yes truly a magnificent place
But my photos didn’t do it justice. Glad you liked them anyway! ❤️
Gorgeous! I was in Barcelona during a rainy February. I also have those pictures of the building with the owl, the street light etc. 🙂 but sadly surrounded by gray-ness. Great to see the sights with blue skies 🙂. And so wonderful to see the lights inside the Sagrada Familia! I believe there are many new components added inside and outside since 2017.
I was also there in 2016 but I saw only the facade. It was September so it was also sunny.