Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
 
This modernist work of art will inspire you and is the top attraction in the city. Begun in 1882 it was planned as a neo-Gothic style church. Gaudi took over the construction in 1884 and immediately changed the direction and scale of the building, seeing it as an opportunity to express his own feelings. He spent much of his life working on the church and was still adapting and changing the plans when he died in 1926. He was struck by a tram on Gran Via and most of Barcelona turned out for his funeral. Today the church remains unfinished although some further work has been done. The size of this church is to be wondered at. Eight spires rise to over 100 metres. The towers were planned by Gaudi to represent the twelve apostles. There was originally to be a 180 metre high tower, topped with a lamb to symbolise Jesus. The facades of the church are divided into porches, devoted to faith, hope and charity. Each porch has its own set of sculptures. It is possible to climb more than 400 twisting steps inside one of the towers or take the elevator. In the crypt is the museum dedicated to the life and work of Gaudi.  
 
 
 
 

As you can see from some of the photographs, construction continues. The building is literally a building site, the top of which is visible from all overf the city.

The Sagrada is on the route of the tourist bus which stops alongside the front door.

 
 
 
There are two facades to the building, the Passion and the Nativity with contributions from different sculptors including Japanese artist Etsuro Sotoo whose work can be seen on the Nativity facade. Pictured right is a close-up of one of the scenes.  
 
 
 

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