The Sagrada Familia: Barcelona, Part Two
I've been fortunate to visit a fair number of historic cathedrals--they're hard to escape in Europe!--but the Sagrada Familia is definitely the most surreal. Its mood seems to shift depending on which detail comes into focus: sometimes it's sombre, other times it's joyful, and other times it's peaceful and serene. Gaudi poured all of his energy and creativity into the Sagrada, and even though it's still unfinished, it's one of those unforgettable sights that take on a life of its own.
This is the Nativity Facade celebrating the birth of Jesus. It's a riot of animals, plants, and other details drawn from the natural world.
In utter contrast, this is the Passion Facade depicting the final days of Jesus. That's Gaudi's statue in the lower left corner.
For a whimsical, playful touch, there are bouquets of fruits and wheat.
This is a finished window, but there are plenty left that are still blank!
The nave looks more like a forest than a proper cathedral!
Non sequitur: I learned an important photography lesson while at the Sagrada--try out your equipment before you actually need it! I had brought along my bigger lens for a more powerful zoom, but to my horror, it also left me unable to take wide angle shots! Total rookie mistake. Fortunately, my iPhone saved the day and I was able to get these wider, more panoramic shots of the nave and of the exterior.
This is the Nativity Facade celebrating the birth of Jesus. It's a riot of animals, plants, and other details drawn from the natural world.
In utter contrast, this is the Passion Facade depicting the final days of Jesus. That's Gaudi's statue in the lower left corner.
For a whimsical, playful touch, there are bouquets of fruits and wheat.
This is a finished window, but there are plenty left that are still blank!
The nave looks more like a forest than a proper cathedral!
Non sequitur: I learned an important photography lesson while at the Sagrada--try out your equipment before you actually need it! I had brought along my bigger lens for a more powerful zoom, but to my horror, it also left me unable to take wide angle shots! Total rookie mistake. Fortunately, my iPhone saved the day and I was able to get these wider, more panoramic shots of the nave and of the exterior.