Almost 100 years in the making, the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia is the masterpiece of the Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926), who oversaw its initial design and construction. The church, intended to be the "last great sanctuary of Christendom" and practically defining the Barcelona cityscape, supports 18 immense, corrugated and pockmarked, spindle shaped towers, dedicated in ascending order of height to the Twelve Apostles, the four Evangelists, the Virgin Mary and finally Jesus Christ.

The "Nativity" facade	Depicting the birth of the baby Jesus		We were here!

The walls look like they're dripping candle wax	The "Passion" facade, with its incredible flying buttresses	Depicting the suffering of Christ

The spires	..topped by the 'pom-poms'	Detail	Gothic window	Creature feature, Sagrada Familia

Click to continue to Gaudi's eccentric buildings, Casa Batllo and Casa Mila