Stepping foot into the stunning Sagrada Familia was like stepping into another world.  Branching columns stretched towards a carved ceiling, light streamed in from every corner and through incredible stained glass windows, painting rainbows on the stark creaminess of the interior.  Whatever I had expected from Gaudi’s masterpiece, it was far surpassed by the reality of standing in the apse and gazing high.

Sagrada Familia is a basilica in central Barcelona that dominates the skyline.  Designed by Antonio Gaudi, it was his life’s work and to this day is not yet finished – current estimates predict that it may be completed in 2026, the 100th centenary of Gaudi’s death.

The design and architecture both inside and on the outside of the church is like nothing I have ever seen in a religious building.  Being so modern in comparison to most in Europe, it has a completely different feel.  I loved the gorgeous light everywhere, illuminating the stunning stained glass windows and giving the interior an amazing airy feel.

The best way I heard the inside of the church described was organic – the branching columns, light and airy feel and hum of the crowd all combining for an experience like nothing else.  This feeling is no accident, as an exhibition inside showed how Gaudi was fascinated by nature’s forms, from tree branches to leaves and raindrops, and incorporated many into his designs.

Outside, there are two sides to Sagrada Familia.  The clean lines of the Passion Facade echo much of the stark interior, with a depiction of Christ on the cross, surrounded by scenes from the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection.

Move around the church to the Nativity Facade and you are met with an entirely different scene, as a riot of carvings, colour and symbolism covers the northeast face.  Apparently Gaudi intended this as the more accessible side of his architecture, and one that would set the pattern architects for those who followed him.  However, knowing that he would not see it completed, he also left careful records of plans and models to ensure that his vision would reach fruition.

As always, I leapt at the chance to get up high, and so we climbed the towers – or rather, were whizzed up in a super speedy lift!  I loved the opportunity to drink in the gorgeous views of Barcelona and out to the Mediterranean, and to get up close to some of the carved details.

Looking back, I’m still stunned at what has been accomplished with Sagrada Familia, and can’t wait to visit again some day when it is completed!  I will treasure that feeling of walking in a light-filled forest while being inside a church until then.

Bits & Pieces

Sagrada Familia is in central Barcelona, and booking your entry ahead of time is strongly recommended – it helped us plan our weekend and also skip a massive queue.  For more information on tickets click here

Entry to the towers is extra, but it was well worth it!

Have you visited a striking modern church?  How did it compare?