Barcelona
First stop on a trip to Spain and France in July, 2023. Spent most days near the Gothic Quarter, stopping for small meals between small tasks. Perfect routine for an anxious American.
La Sagrada Família
La Sagrada Família is likely Barcelona’s most famous site, a monumental church designed by Antoni Gaudí. Construction began in 1882 and has yet to complete, hence the giant anachronistic cranes. Current plans aim to complete the structure by 2026, a century after Gaudi’s death. (How many sprint cycles is that?)
Stained Glass
The windows correspond with biblical stories and the time of day. The east windows are the Nativity Façade, filled with blue-green hues and representing the dawn of life. On the Passion Façade to the west, the windows are warmer reds, symbolizing sacrifice and the setting sun. The light passes from blue to red each day, taking the day to tell its story.
Ceiling
Gaudi’s design parallels worship and nature with tree-like columns and canopies of vaulted ceilings. The intricate designs, hidden far from the eye, resemble patterns found in nature like sea shell spirals and honeycomb hexagons. In this way, Gaudi’s designs honor the original architect in the story, the foundation of the building.
See more photos from the trip, including Cassis, Le Castellet, Marseille, and Paris.
