BCN 2013: La Sagrada Familia Basilica

I've always known La Sagrada Familia Basilica since I was a child after watching Meteor Garden where one of the scenes of Shan Cai and Dao Ming Si was shot before the massive front doors of this church. Does it ring a bell to you? :)

 

La Sagrada is one of the famous works of Gaudi in Barcelona. In case you are wondering what the cranes above are for, well believe it or not, the basilica is still under construction for more than 100 years!!! Though still unfinished, it has already been the most visited monument in Spain.

The facade of the basilica looks a bit disorganized and dirty (to me) at first. But as you get near to it, you will see that each curve represents something related to Christianity.

Carvings on the side doors

The exterior left me awed and surprised. But the interior offered something more! Gaudi's work represents nature, hence the absence of straight lines.

A trip to La Sagrada would be incomplete without knowing the story behind this magnificent creation. Museu Gaudi, located just below the ground level of the Basilica, offers interesting materials on Gaudi's life and other works including photos of the La Sagrada Familia since it was constructed.

La Sagrada is said to be Gaudi's favorite project so when he died on 1926, days after being struck by a passing tram, a lot of people bid farewell to him in the chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the crypt of the Sagrada Família. His gravestone can also be found at the lower ground floor of the basilica. 

Address: La Sagrada Familia
Calle Mallorca, 401
08013 Barcelona, España
Opening hours:
October - March: 09:00 - 18:00
April - September: 09:00 - 20:00;
25 and 26 December, 01 January and 06 January: 09:00 - 14:00.
Admission: €13.00
( source )