La Sagrada Familia. Exquisite beyond belief.

Big girls don't cry in public. I find it dreadfully embarrassing. Then I found myself inside La Sagrada Familia with tears streaming down my face. I was in such awe of the beauty of the basilica that I couldn't hold back my emotions.

I've visited magnificent cathedrals with soaring Gothic arches, priceless marble statues, and intricate stained glass windows. They filled me with wonder and admiration. But they didn't bring me to tears.

La Sagrada Familia (The Sacred Family) is in a class of its own when it comes to stirring emotions.

Antoni Gaudí was the architect of Barcelona's controversial basilica. Its radical design received both intense criticism and immense praise. Some people considered Gaudí to be crazy; others thought he was brilliant. I think his work was pure genius.  

Approaching La Sagrada Familia from the park is like entering an enchanted forest.

The first stone for the building was laid in 1882. Because the scale of the project was so massive, Gaudí knew it would never be finished in his lifetime. He created detailed models of his ideas so architects were able to continue work after his death. ​

Cranes reveal the ongoing construction. The basilica is expected to be completed in 2026, 150 years after work began. Generations of architects and builders have been dedicated to finishing this monumental project. Funding for the work comes solely from donations and ticket sales.

Exterior sculptural detail of Jesus' birth announced by angels with trumpets. “A church is the only thing worthy of representing the feelings of a people, for religion is the highest thing in people.” - Antoni Gaudí ​

The Holy Water font in the entrance of La Sagrada Familia reflects Gaudí's inspiration by the structure of shells. I loved how the smooth, glossy interior and rough exterior of the vessel beautifully reinterpreted a shell, and how such an ordinary object was re-imagined as a vessel with purpose and dignity.

When I moved from the entrance into this part of the basilica I was flooded with emotion. The beauty was overwhelming. Gaudí's inspiration came from trees, leaves, cones, bones, and shells. He copied the structure of these natural forms to create a strong building that was filled with light. ​

Gaudí’s architecture was unique and constantly surprising; he carefully considered every tiny detail of his work. I was awestruck by the incredible design, soaring heights, intricate ceiling decoration, and brilliant stained glass windows.

Ceiling structures were patterned after leaves and the supporting columns were designed like trees. I felt like I was in a forest rather than inside a church. ​

Gaudí's lifelong passions were architecture, nature, and religion. His work became an expression of his deep religious beliefs. Above the altar, you turn your gaze upwards to view the sculpture of the Crucifixion of Christ.

Gaudí understood that nature uses curved forms, not straight lines. This area of the basilica is an example of his genius in choosing organic shapes, patterns, and textures to create feelings of strength and serenity.

When you visit Barcelona, you must see La Sagrada Familia. It's magnificent! Bring your selfie-stick so you can share the experience with all your Facebook friends. You can even purchase memorabilia on the way to your next destination.

Tickets are only available online. Be sure to buy them well in advance of your visit because they sell out. If you aren't claustrophobic or afraid of heights, you can ascend one of the towers in an elevator, then walk down 400 steps to the ground.
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More info and to order tickets click ­here: http://www.sagradafamilia.org/en/tickets/