Buenos Dias Sweet Friends!

Today is the day! It’s the day I’ve been waiting for! It’s the day we are touring the Sagrada Familia!! You remember, we saw the outside of the cathedral and its two facades – the Nativity and the Passion – at night surrounded by light and scaffolding and cranes. Today is the day we go inside. As you might imagine, the lines can be very long during high season so pre-booking a tour with an audio guide is highly recommended. The audio is not absolutely necessary, but it’s a bonus and explains a lot about the facades and the interior.

This cathedral is hailed as Antoni Gaudi’s best work and finest masterpiece. After seeing it, I can totally agree! Construction began in 1882 under the guidance of another architect, Francisco de Paula del Villar. Only a year after construction began Gaudi took over, he took a more “Modernista” approach to the project that became his life work. Gaudi lived to see only one façade, the Nativity Façade, the apse, crypt and one tower complete. His plans call for 18 towers and an area capable of accommodating 13,000 worshipers.

Following Gaudi’s death in 1926, the building process dragged on slowly through the Civil War until the 50s when construction began in earnest. At present there are 8 complete towers and two facades (only 10 more towers and two facades to go!). The building process continues and it was only in 2000 that the roof of the main nave was completed. It is hoped that construction will be complete by 2026, which marks the centennial of Gaudi’s death. I will absolutely be there to see it!

The two completed facades are the Nativity Façade and Passion Façade. The Passion Façade features Jesus’ Crucifixion while the Nativity facade features scenes from Jesus’ birth. The two other remaining facades are the Glory Façade, which is under construction and the as yet unnamed façade on the south side of the church. The two completed facades are VERY different; the Passion facade has a much more contemporary, modern look than the Nativity. It’s a very striking contrast.

The interior of the church is just an impressive as the exterior; in the nave there are pillars that resemble thick trees and the ceiling is a remarkable vaulted structure where the “branches” of the trees meet. Each column in the interior is different, constructed from different and unique materials as well as various widths and designs; but they all work beautifully together. The extraordinary stained glass designs are colorful and change the look of the interior depending on the time of day. I stayed several hours so I was able to watch the magnificent color change within. The interior is really kinda simple, relative to many other cathedrals that is. There is no bronze alter, no gold gilt, no frescoes on the walls or ceilings. Like nature, the interior uses simple organic elements that allow for quiet reflection and prayer. I was moved to tears several times during my tour. I sat within, grateful for this experience and wishing I could share it with others, especially my son and my mother.

In the crypt you can see Gaudi’s final resting place. Gaudi was an extremely religious and spiritual man. He believed God could be found everywhere, especially in nature. You can see this in all of his works. He believed in the power of God, but also in the simple beauty of outdoors with all of its complex and complete shapes, colors and textures. He died in an accident walking in the city. He was hit by a local tram and because he was dressed in his work clothes, the people who found him thought he was homeless, so they transported him to the hospital for the poor. He remained there, unseen and unrecognized for a day receiving no care. He asked for the last rites and he died the next day. Once his identity was discovered, the mourners began pouring in. His funeral was a huge procession of officials, friends, and admirers from all over the country. Such a sad story really, to die as an unknown person without any friends around. But many people die like that every day in the fields of countries torn apart by war. It’s heartbreaking.

I can see why the Sagrada Familia is the jewel of the city and its most popular tourist attraction.  It truly is remarkable and breath taking. If you ever have the opportunity to go, do not miss it! Yes, it’s crowded and yes the crowds take away from the experience at times, but it’s still worth the frustration. Just do it!

More on Barcelona tomorrow. Have a beautiful day full of rainbows!