Spectacular Sagrada de la Familia

 Friday, August 14, 2026

Barcelona is the 2nd largest city in Spain (after Madrid).  As you can see, the city is very compact, with people everywhere!

The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia (Church of the Holy Family) is an icon in Barcelona. 

It is the tallest church in the world, (566 ft), and the final tower was just completed this year.  It's a magnificent structure with so much history--a "must-see" place, recommended by anyone who has been to Barcelona.

Construction began in 1882. Antoni Gaudi took over the project in 1883 and had significant influence in the area.  He was an architect and an artist, inspired by nature, and translated nature into the building. One of his quotes was "The great book, always open and which we should make an effort to read, is that of Nature." 

Gaudi designed the building but only lived to see a portion of the building constructed.  Others used his models to continue construction of this beautiful place. His remains are entombed in the crypt below the basilica, along with an actual cast of his face.

Pope Leo celebrated mass in June 2026 to celebrate and bless completion of the central tower and commemorate the100th anniversary of Gaudi's death.  

The cross on the tower weighs 11 tons!

There is so much symbolism throughout the structure, from the columns to the windows, to the etchings, to the sculptures on the exterior.  Everything has a meaning, with thoughtful planning.  The stained-glass windows represent the seasons, and the light paints a picture on the inside.

The main door is inscribed with words "Our Father" and "Give us this day our daily bread" in 50 different languages.  (English is found to the left of the words "Vostra" see if you can find it!)

The AG on the door handles is for Antoni Gaudi.

It is so impressive and quite moving to see this place...both inside and outside.

As evidence of more symbolism, check out the square with numbers on one of the sculptures.  No, it's not a sudoku puzzle.  It is a mathematical puzzle where every row, column, and diagonal adds up to 33, representing the age of Jesus at his crucifixion.

Sagrada is a work of art, an architectural treasure and a spectacular place to experience that you'll never forget!

Afterwards, we did a quick bus tour of the city and saw a brush fire in the distance--kinda scary!  It has been very very hot and dry.  

  

  Temps today were 95, and yesterday it was triple digits.  Jim spotted an interesting thermometer on one of the streets outside the hotel. (Celsius at 9:30pm!)

We had our farewell dinner tonight (the best dinner yet!) and our astronomers David and Lou toasted to a successful eclipse and many new friends!

We will have more time to explore the city tomorrow--it's a day on our own.