![\"\"](\"http:\/\/suitcasejournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/PortEsp1369.jpg\" "\\"Sagrada")
<\/a><\/p>\nLooking up at the elaborate ceiling in the Sagrada Fam\u00edlia’s nave<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0Believe it or not, we were somewhat underwhelmed with the exterior of the building. \u00a0The Nativity Facade<\/em>, which was the only section of the church completed while Gaud\u00ed was alive, is very cluttered and starting to show it’s age. \u00a0The newly completed Passion Facade<\/em> seems much cleaner, and completed in what appears to be a much more modern style (which appealed to us). \u00a0The size of the building was not as impressive as we had expected, but I have no doubt that after completion, when capped by the 558-foot Jesus Christ tower, the size of the building will be spectacular. \u00a0Right now, the tallest tower is 394 feet.<\/p>\n After walking through the door at the\u00a0Passion Facade<\/em> we knew we were entering somewhere special. \u00a0Gaud\u00ed used nature to inspire his architecture, which is clear in Sagrada Fam\u00edlia. \u00a0The columns used to support the building show a strong resemblance to tree trunks. \u00a0They are not straight pillars, as you would see in a more traditional church, but curvy. \u00a0Looking straight-up at the 148-ft high ceiling (about the same height at St. Peter’s in Rome), there are gorgeous patterns, as depicted in the picture of the nave above\u00a0and like at ceiling installation Greenwich<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n We actually decided to forego the rental of an audio guide (another \u20ac4), because we sometimes believe they distract from the experience. \u00a0Instead, we used a self-guided tour included in\u00a0Rick Steves<\/em>‘ Spain<\/em> guidebook. \u00a0Written tours allow you to set your own pace, and not worry about listening and experiencing the space at the same time. \u00a0We learned just enough to appreciate the history and significance of the place, but not too much to distract us from developing our own impressions and memories.<\/p>\n Looking along the nave in Sagrada Fam\u00edlia. \u00a0Notice the perched choir and that only some of the windows have stained glass installed.<\/em><\/p>\n In addition to the nature-inspried columns and ornate ceilings, we were also impressed with the choir, which is suspended on a balcony high up in the air, and adorned with a modern glass handrail and can support 1,500 singers. \u00a0The stained glass windows were also very impressive. \u00a0Interestingly, many of the windows still have clear glass (see picture above) that will later be replaced. \u00a0Resultantly, the interior is much brighter than it will ultimately be when the church is completed.<\/p>\n After admiring the interior and the two completed facades, we wondered down to the crypt, where a museum on the church’s construction is housed. \u00a0We learned a fair amount through our self-guided tour, so we decided to walk briskly through the exhibits. \u00a0There were several models of what the church would ultimately look like, which were interesting.<\/p>\n Sagrada Fam\u00edlia was a definitive highlight on our trip to Barcelona. \u00a0Visiting the interior is well worth the ticket price, especially considering the value in comparison to more expensive Gaud\u00ed sights in Barcelona (Casa Mil\u00e0 at \u20ac16.50, Casa Batll\u00f3 at \u20ac20.30). \u00a0We look forward to returning when the church is complete (tentatively 2026-2028)!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sagrada Fam\u00edlia, the Barcelona church still undergoing construction according to the ambitious vision of Catalan architect Antonio Gaud\u00ed, is by far the top sight in Barcelona. \u00a0The exterior is unique and interesting, but is no match for the interior. \u00a0Don’t … Continue reading <\/a><\/p>\n