I warned you, today was Gaudi day. Our first stop was Sagrada Família. Then is was on to Park Güell, and then a walk past two residential buildings. Our feet were worn to nubs and our minds full of facts so we ended the day exhausted.

Outside, the Sagrida Familia is a powerhouse of storytelling. With towers that seem to touch clouds.

We entered through the Nativity Facade, an image onslaught of the baby Jesus’ birth.

The exterior is overpowering but upon entry I was in awe. It’s hard for me, the non-believer to say, but I felt welcome as a human being. It is a forest of peace. No Gothic scenes battering down the plebes asking for forgiveness or scenes of battle. It was pure light. Intricate, glorious light.

Windows depict the four seasons in abstract stained glass, winter,

spring,

summer,

and fall.

Combined, they make the interior glow.

Of the three facades, Nativity and Passion are complete, and Glory will be finished by 2030 when the basilica is expected to be totally complete. We exited out of the Passion facade which is cubist to say the least. Totally grim. Extra credit here for identifying the scene and solving the number puzzle.

On to the park, originally conceived for sixty homes in an eden/Gaudi environ the plan never took off and is now a city park with limited tourist access.

The tiles on the bench back are recycled pottery.

Last, and least, in my opinion, the two residential buildings. At this point it all seemed like cotton candy.

Now, it’s off to bed for an early rise for tomorrow it’s off to home. Thanks for taking the ride with us.