For the next 3 days we explore, walk, and take the Metro all over Barcelona. On Easter Sunday we start out at Gaudy’s mother ship; La Sagrada Famila. It is truly the masterpiece every one describes and talks about. Gaudi was hired to build this basilica in 1882 to house 13,000 faithful. He wasn’t the first architect, and defiantly not the last as it’s also quite famous for being “unfinished”. I believe he was around to see the completed crypt and the apse although the entire design is rightly credited to him. Domenec Sugranes took over after Gaudi’s death in 1926.
As we visit on Easter Sunday the sky is blue and air is fresh and the La Sagrada Famila looks like it’s coming down the home stretch as far as the basic footprint is concerned. Eight of the 12 bell towers are completed. These represent the 12 apostles and are often the trademark photo shown and recognized by visitors from all over the world.
As we circled the building Michael tells me bible stories explaining various scenes depicted in sculpture and relief. He’s the greatest because naturally these stories are intertwined by his very own sense of humor which I know some of you are familiar with.
Our Lonely Planet guide book suggests “the best time to visit is at opening and on weekdays to avoid crowds”. What could possible go wrong at 11am on Easter Sunday? Ha ha, actually everything went right and we attended some of the catholic mass in the Crypt, it was lovely and we got sprinkled with holy water.
Over the next several days we viewed other Gaudi works including La Pedrera. Little things like his lamp posts became familiar and we are beginning to see his influence in and around Barcelona. I’ve coined a new tourist phrase “something ‘Gaudi going on”.
By now it’s about mid-day Easter and we are strolling the Barri Gotic.
Our destination is the Cathedral of Barcelona, and again everything went right. We attended part of the Catholic mass, admittance on Easter seemed quite liberal as long as you behaved yourself, chairs for everyone. It was very calming and beautiful.