When I visited Barcelona for the first time back in 2003, I had just two days to explore the city, but I made it to most of the major sites, including the forever-under-construction cathedral known officially as the Basilica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia – or Sagrada Familia for short. While I marveled at the half-finished building from the outside, I was not able to check out the interior because it was closed to the public.
So when I returned for a couple days this fall, getting a peek inside the Sagrada Familia was at the top of my to-do list. Designed by the famous Catalan architect Antonin Gaudi, this Roman Catholic church has been under construction since 1882. Yes – it is over 100 years in the making and likely won’t be finished for another few decades.
Take a closer look:
Unbelievable experience! But you have to wait a long long line!
One of the most beautiful churches I’ve ever seen in the entire World!
We didn’t make it inside, but really enjoyed the details on the outside. The timing and price just didn’t work out for us. Looks pretty cool on the inside though.
Great photos!
I was in Barcelona for about a week in September and had received mixed messages about going inside La Sagrada Familia before I went from various sources. Most of those who suggested I didn’t had been when it was still majorly under-construction with no sign of it ever being finished.
I decided to go in though (why not, hey?) and was pretty much blown away. It wasn’t what I was expecting at all and certainly isn’t like any other kind of cathedral I have ever been in! I particularly loved the contrast of the modern, white interior to the highly intricate and more rustic exterior.