Sunday 9th October 2016
Today was all about Sagrada Familia – The church that has been under construction since 1882 when a decision was made to construct a temple dedicated to the Holy Family – hence the name Sagrada Familia. Although Antonia Gaudi was not the original architect he was engaged at the end of the first year, changed the design and stamped the project with his own unique style. This was not his only work however the church eventually become his long life passion and he continued working on it right up until his accidental death in 1926 – he was run over by a tram aged 73.
Geoff and I visited the church and Park Guell in 1983. I am keen to compare today’s photos with those from 33 years ago. I recall the church being even more of a construction site than it is today. There are also a lot more visitors now as it is the entrance fees paid by the visitors that continues to fund the construction project. Attempts are being made to have the project finally finished by 2026 – the 100 year anniversary of the death of Gaudi.
After a couple of hours exploring the inside of the church we took a break for some coffee and pastries before parking the boys up at a bar to share jugs of sangria whilst the girls circumnavigated the exterior to closely examine the detail in all of the sculptures. The entry point today is via the Nativity themed side of the church. The exit is via the Passion themed and more modern side. The side of the church that will eventually become the front entrace is yet to be constructed.
We also visited the crypt which was built in the first year and where mass is held for the locals every day.
We rode the metro towards Montjuic and took a ride on the funicular tram up to the chair lift and continued on up Montjuic to the castle. We intended to have a late lunch with a view – but alas our plans were dashed when we discovered the restaurant has closed 4 years ago! We had some great views of the Harbour then walked down the hillside to Miramar and took a ride on another chair lift across the Harbour with fabulous views of all Barcelona.
All good things must come to an end. We walked back into the Gothic Quarter and enjoyed our own last supper in the Catedral Square near our apartments. I had a quick shower before taking a taxi to the airport for my 24 hours of travel back to Melbourne.
However all things being even in 2028 the 6 of us are going to meet in Barcelona to take a tour of the completed Sagrada Familia – we hope.
