The Sagrada Família, located in Barcelona, is a one-of-a-kind temple, for its origins, foundation and purpose. Fruit of the work of genius architect Antoni Gaudí, the project was promoted by the people for the people. Five generations now have watched the Temple progress in Barcelona. Today, more than 135 years after the laying of the cornerstone, construction is ongoing at the Basilica.
As an observer, the multi-rayed colors of light streaming through the aesthetic and pristine pillars, as well as multi-coloured windows was truly a mesmerizing sight to behold. As with these beautiful touristic destinations, pictures truly don’t do the location justice.
Casa Batlló and Parc Güell were both highlights for me, but La Sagrada Familia was definitely in a league of its own.
Some additional interesting tidbits:
Construction for the Sagrada Familia project began in 1882. When Gaudí died in 1926, only a quarter of the basilica was completed.
Gaudi is buried in the crypt of the Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona, Spain. He was laid to rest in the chapel of the Virgen del Carmen - la verge del Carme - to the left of the altar in the crypt. It was an honour to witness the resting place of the deceased. He was unfortunately killed a few days after being hit by a tram. Situated in the underground level of the building, visitors can observe the tomb for themselves. The tomb is surrounded by four chapels, each dedicated to a different figure.
Though a long ways from being completed, La Sagrada Familia was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. It received the designation primarily due to its unique architecture and Gaudí’s ability to create something so innovative and artistic.
