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.
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The "Nativity" facade |
Depicting the birth of the baby Jesus |
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We were here! |
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The walls look like they're dripping candle wax |
The "Passion" facade, with its incredible flying buttresses |
Depicting the suffering of Christ |
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The spires |
..topped by the 'pom-poms' |
Detail |
Gothic window |
Creature feature, Sagrada Familia |
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| to continue to Gaudi's eccentric buildings, Casa Batllo and Casa Mila