Barcelona: Spires and Sunshine

Ornate Work
Sagrada Família
Sagrada Família Ceiling
Sagrada Família Windows


The other focal point of a trip to Barcelona is the Sagrada Família the city's astonishing new cathedral which is still under construction a century after it was started. In recent years the main basilica has been covered but at least another ten towers are yet to be completed if Antonio Gaudi's vision is to be realised.

A provisional completion date of 2026 has been targeted. Do not bet on it. Paid entry can be obtained by turning up and queuing at the cathedral which has its own metro station. However it is possible, for a small additional fee, to select your time and book ahead online using a credit card. This was our choice rather than spend two hours of our valuable holiday time sweltering in the summer sun.

The basilica is simply stunning. It has all the grandeur of a medieval grand church like Seville, Notre Dame, Paris or York Minster but with a style and flourish unseen in more ancient times. It is a thing of beauty even if it is not completed.

Despite being such a tourist magnet there was non sense of the building being over crowded. For an additional fee it is possible to take the lift/elevator up one of the towers.

This is recommended not only to appreciate the grand design but also to enjoy fantastic vistas over the magnificent city.



Location: Barcelona, Spain

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Cordóba (Spain) - Best Locations

Image
There are two great cities of the world called Cordoba; one in Argentina and the one from which it takes its name in Spain. The Spanish city has a history stretching back to pre-Christian Spain and evidence is all around. the obvious place to start is at its very heart and the cathedral. Spain is blessed with many fine cathedrals in its great cities but Cordoba has got to be her most stunning, certainly from the inside. Its known as the Mezquita . Here the moorish influence is there for all to see and it is easy to see how the Christian conquerors sited their cathedral upon the existing mosque. The fusion is astonishing as you in both Africa and Europe all at one. Close by is the Spanish Riding School at the Royal Stables which puts on fantastic shows demonstrating great horsemanship. It is possible to visit the stables and meet the horses and their grooms. More information here on the  Royal Stables . Cordoba has many other fine attractions in ...
Read more

Bali Beaches - Tips from the East

Image
The island of Bali has been attracting holidaymakers for decades. Now, thanks to competitive air fares from budget airlines such as Air Asia, it is popular stop for those tourists visiting other parts of Asia. Its proximity to Australia has always meant that Bali is a leading destination from there. I've posted some airline links at the foot of the page. Bali is not a huge island but its relatively undeveloped road network means it takes far longer to get anywhere than a simple glance at a map would suggest. Most of the modern development has taken place around the airport at Denpasar in the eat, primarily in the town of Kuta. The surf shops as big as supermarkets are a clear indication of an advanced tourist economy. That is why I chose to investigate the the east of the island. I started in the resort of Candidasa, some 64 km or 45 miles from the airport. In most countries that would mean a journey of around an hour but on the day I arrive it is festial day for Bali...
Read more

Cadiz

Image
Andalucia offers the explorer many fine places to discover as this blog has previously explained. Away from the major cathedral cities of Malaga, Sevilla, Granada and Cordóba, what else lies within the province? Travel a little further and the port city of Cadiz comes into view. Look familiar? It doubled as Havana in Bond's Die Another Day  Cadiz is a remarkably easy city to explore. For the reasonably fit, it can all be done on foot. The city lies on a peninsular with the walker and cyclist well catered for and you stroll out with the sea on one side. The many fine buildings is a reminder if Spain's affluent past when the riches of the New World arrived first in the port before distribution to the other areas of Spain. On Sunday mornings, especially in spring and autumn, Cadiz is the playground for those seeking redemption through fitness.  Joggers, cyclists and power walkers use the city to get them in shape. It's easy because it is flat. A great place to ...
Read more