Sagrada Familia: places to visit in Spain

The great Sagrada Familia, as a good friend who went to visit with me said, “there is nothing quite like it.” This ongoing work of Gaudi is like no other cathedral you have ever seen, it is a fantastical creation of stone, glass and light that never gets tired to experience. The Sagrada Familia, as places to visit in Spain go, is a destination in itself.  I remember the first time I went to see it for myself and looking at the exterior thinking from afar it looked like the sand drip castle I used to make on the beach as a child.  Then upon closer inspection it was like a surreal movie Salvador Dali might have directed taking three dimensional form. Once inside impressions changed completely, the light and color give it a sense of openness and joy totally uncharacteristic of any cathedral I have been inside before.  I have seen many beautiful cathedrals across Europe, but none that transmitted a sense of joyfulness.

The towers are still under construction but you can go up to in an elevator and then walk down. Very much worth the expense. The views of Barcelona are unique and the perspective downward only gives you greater insight to the cathedral as a whole. 

Every visit I take time to sit in the pews, up front, quietly and just look up and watch everything happening around me.  The pews are roped off and have attendants monitoring the area so be respectful as it is a functioning church.  They do not mind if you just sit quietly to look though.

TIP: Get tickets in advance online, you can collect the tickets at any “la Caixa” ATM machine.  Believe me, you do not want to wait in line for the Sagrada Familia.  You will be over it before you get in.  The morning seems to be busier as all the big tour buses get it in first on their routes.  I like to go an hour before sunset as the sun really lights up the stain glass during those hours.