La Sagrada Família is the most amazing building I have ever seen or set foot into. I anticipate that it will be the only one that will ever have such a profound impression on me. It is an architectural masterpiece and an icon of Barcelona. Being the largest unfinished Catholic basilica in the world, it features a combination of Gothic and Modernista architectural elements. It really was the most significant highlight on my recent trip to Spain last month. Once completed, La Sagrada Família will be the tallest church in the world and the tallest building in Barcelona. I was lucky enough to get a window seat on my flight into Barcelona. Yes, there it is, in all it’s glory from the sky.
Read my article: 5 amazing things about La Sagrada Família.
How a visit to La Sagrada Família has helped me evolve:
After I visit something as extraordinary as La Sagrada Família I ask myself, what has it taught me and how can it help me view things in a way that can help me evolve? What stands out to me is that Gaudí was in so many ways a revolutionary figure in history. Overall, my visit to La Sagrada Família highlighted to me the impact of one man’s dedication to his main purposes in life: his religion, his art, and his identity as a Catalan. It emphasises the merit of identifying your individual core values and setting achievable goals in relation to them. I think that is what helps to lead to a meaningful life, which it appears Gaudí had.
Gaudí also remained true to himself and expressed himself in an original, authentic way. He didn’t follow typical rules or conventions. He experimented with new styles, he thought very much outside of the box and he didn’t follow norms. As a result, his work stands out for its uniqueness, something which we can all appreciate and evolve from.
My take home message: be genuine to your core identity and do whatever it takes to give your life meaning.
When and how to visit:
I strongly recommend you buy tickets in advance and online. Opt for a ticket with an audio guide or a small group guided tour, it’s the only way to get the most out of this experience.
I also suggest you attend on a weekday early in the morning (between 9am and 10am). Firstly, there should be less crowds and secondly the most light will stream in at this time making it a beautiful time to admire the stained glass windows.
Whenever or however you visit it, and I hope you can trust me for this, you won’t believe your eyes and it will stay with you for a long time to come.