Barcelona, Sagrada Famila & Barcelona Cathedral

Church de la Familia (Sagrada Familia) The church was commissioned in 1882 and is still under construction.  They think it will take another 30-40 years to complete.  The outside is very grand with four tall towers on each of two sides. 



 





The towers are about 20 stories tall, towering over all the nearby buildings. It is very difficult to get a good picture of the outside.  There are four construction cranes and a lot of scaffold covering much of the building.

The church is a contradiction in design, so plain and simple and at the same time grand and glorious.  Brick, mortar and concrete dominate the structure but marble can be seen in the lower levels.   




 





Tall spiral staircases occupy the corners and naves leading to multi-level balconies and platforms. In this picture, the "corkscrew" looks interesting but then you realize it is a staircase, look again & then realize how very tall it is.

The stained glass windows are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. 

The windows are so large and there is so much light coming in, it colors the columns, floors and ceilings. The white walls of the interior and the openness of the design allow the light to bounce & reflect.

This picture is looking straight up, this is the ceiling of the church.  The support columns are similar to trees with a large trunk and limbs branching out.  Very unusual design to say the least.

There was a long wait for ascension to towers. We did that. We had a nice view of the city. The more picturesque descent was by LONG winding staircase. We DIDN’T do that! We cheated & took the lift down. The day was beautiful! The church was amazing in its design.

 

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Barcelona Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Barcelona and is very beautiful.  Completed in 1448, the church is dedicated to St. Eulalia, a 13 year old girl who was martyred by the Romans because of her faith.  

The lighting and mood within the building ensure you realize you are in a place of worship.  It has a very large main nave with over 40 side chapels around the nave and adjoining cloister.  





 




Within the cloister there are 13 white geese as a reminder of the age of St. Eulalia when she was martyred.

 



We rode the elevator to the roof and walked around on the observation platforms above the church, it was an interesting view of the surrounding buildings.

 Yes, she really is on the roof.

Both of these churches are located within the older part of Barcelona. There is a big contrast in their appearances, as well as the feelings that you have in each of them. The Sagrada Familia church is a very impressive design, but the Barcelona Cathedral feels more like a place of worship. 

TJ & EA at La Familia Church