The best bit of my trip to Barcelona in April was Sagrada Familia, so I thought I’d show you why. This is Gaudi’s last and greatest masterpiece, and it’s hoped that it will finally be finished in 2026 to mark the centenary of his death.
The front entrance
Building work
Zooming to the detail
Detail high above
Towards the towers
Two styles meet
Part of the nativity facade
I went up the tower of the nativity façade and you have to go back down 400 steps!
The passion and the nativity façade meet
I’m not going to ramble on, nothing I could say isn’t said better on the Sagrada Familia website, but love it or hate it, this building is incredible. These photos were all taken with a compact camera from the Bus Turistic, how I wish I’d been able to take my dslr!
Lucid Gypsy 
Well, I’m not sure whether I love it or hate it – but you’re so right, it’s an incredible building! Thank you for sharing the pictures.
I think you would like the inside!
Fantasy architecture, so many spires and turrets …. amazing!
It’s total fantasy, unbelievable!
Absolutely surreal, like a fairy tale. Cannot get my head around all the detail, the complex details upon details. 😀 ❤
Wait until you see inside Tess ❤️
You’ll show us the inside? 😮 Can’t wait. I can’t imagine anything about the inside.
Can’T believe it has taken SO long to get near to finishing!! Wonderful pictures!!
At least another ten years, hope I can see it complete, but I doubt I’d make it up the tower then!
“The church will be able to accommodate some thirteen thousand people. When finished, the Sagrada Família will have a total of eighteen towers.” Wikipedia
This is quite magnificent. Thank you very much for sharing your pictures.
I wouldn’t want to be one of thirteen thousand in there – it was full enough as it was 🙂
Modern Rococo?
A totally unique mix, have you been inside? I was mesmerised.
Never been to Barcelona. Had the opportunity but chickened out as I would have been on my own to explore and I was too nervous at the time 😦
I love the Sagrada de Familia! I saw it on TV once in my teens and knew one day I would have to see it in person. Luckily I did in my 20’s. It was pretty incredible then and even more incredible now. One day I will need to go back and see it again.
I already want to go back, in 2026 would be good!
Yes I want to go back again too. Can you still climb the towers? I did once with a large backpack on as we were only in Barcelona for the day. I always wanted to go back and do it again.
Whenever in Barcelona I have to see Sagrada Familia, the first time in 1991! Every time there is more to see.
Oh lucky you, I want to see it again!
I’m pleased you showed some photos with the people in them, they give a real perspective as the building just dwarfs the people, they look like ants…
It’s impossible to avoid them 🙂
You took from the Bus Turistic with your compact camera… Wow, these are great photos, Gilly!
Thanks Amy 🙂
I was never sure whether I would love or hate it, Gilly, and from the outside I certainly had reservations. But when I walked into that space…. quite unbelievable! A love affair began 🙂
The outside I found fascinating, the inside totally magical!
We were there in 2003, and I remember thinking that there was still so much work to do. I’m wondering if those cranes will ever be taken away. It’s mind-boggling to imagine that one day about ten years hence, the very last little bit of detail will be completed, and someone will say, “Okay that’s it…….done!” 🙂 Great photos, Gilly.
Thanks Sylvia, you would see a difference in those 12 years, imagine someone actually saying those words!
It is such an amazing place… ❤
i know, I’m desperate to go back, and to see more of the city!
You fulfilled my dream not yet true. 😀
While you’re on the same continent?
Wow! A breathtaking masterpiece indeed. What an amazing adventure!
It certainly was, especially going up in one of the towers!