Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família

What had disturbed Pablo Picasso to have damned Gaudi to hell? I was in Barcelona to find out.

Sagrada FamiliaArguably the most famous masterpiece by architect Antonio Gaudí, Sagrada Família was built to chronicle the history of Christianity. Upon approach, its sheer size and labyrinth of gothic spires instantly transport travelers to an otherworldly dimension.

A staunch Catholic, Gaudí designed Sagrada Familia to boast eighteen towers; 12 representing Christ’s apostles, 4 for the evangelists, one for Mary, and one for Jesus.

Had this prolific work of Gaudí intimidated Picasso? I pondered.  I was finally staring at one of the most hideous buildings in the world, according to George Orwell. A winding staircase led me to the top of those spires, where I was humbly treated to a panoramic view of Barcelona.

Construction on the temple began over 120 years ago and based on Gaudí’s initial vision, is nowhere near completion.

"My client is in no hurry. God has all the time in the world", the famous architect was noted as saying.

Open daily from 9am, travelers can wander its towers, crypt, and interiors, and visit a museum exhibiting models of Gaudí’s final vision.

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