Not Just Another Church...

Barcelona, Spain

November 2, 2007
N41°23.190
E002°10.480

Antoni Gaudi, Spain’s most famous and eccentric architect left his mark in Barcelona with his unique style. There are various houses and parks designed by Gaudi throughout the city, but the most famous and impressive is Sagrada Familia; Gaudi’s last piece of work.

Marc has heard of Sagrada Familia over the years from me, he has seen the pictures, and even looked down on the church that defines the Barcelona skyline from Park Guell, another Gaudi achievement. However, he wasn’t impressed with the massive construction project until he was in the shadows of the church, gazing upwards.

The church has a completely different appearance than when I saw it ten years ago, but it still has the same avant-garde feel. It definitely is not cast from the mold of catholic churches found in Italy and Eastern Europe. Massive spires that look like molten candles, columns topped with fruit such as grapes, giant statues depicting different biblical scenes, and little gold men sitting on the ledges between the spires seemingly looking down and observing the ongoing project, all make Sagrada the most unconventional church we’ve seen during our travels.

The church has been under construction for the past 100 years and has at least 20 more years of construction until it’s finally completed. Cranes and scaffolding litter the area reminding guests it is indeed a construction site; at the same time reminding you that you’re witnessing history. Sagrada de la Familia, like many great architectural achievements, will ultimately take centuries to complete, but it will be a work of art that will be appreciated many generations to come.

Other Notes: Marc passed a kidney stone today. Luckily, it didn’t cause him too much pain, only some slight discomfort over the past few nights.