To say that we were overwhelmed with Barcelona would be an understatement. The Gaudi buildings we visited, all built or renovated in the early 2oth Century are simply sensational combinations of faith, artistry, skill and function.
For me Barcelona was, on this visit, simply Gaudi. So I am not going to say too much but just share the pictures with you in the hope that you may come and visit for yourself. Suffice to say that on first glance some of the buildings appear rather "way out" in their form. For example straight lines do not appear where they may be expected. But on even short acquaintance they show themselves as superbly practical and beautiful.
Gaudi was extremely religious and his churches are truly organic as he uses the forms of nature to shout his beliefs. Initially over-elaborate to my taste they quickly enveloped me with their subtlety and Grace. To this agnostic, visiting his buildings was a moving experience.
I remember the surprise and delight I experienced when, years ago, I discovered fossilised sharks' teeth in the foothills of the Southern Alps in NZ. The impossibility of this absolute truth and the dawning of the reason for it was reminiscent of my experience in this church as I realised that Gaudi has used the natural forms of trees and branches to build his Temple.
The Temple Sagrada Familia
Still under construction and planned to be finished,
through public donations, by 2025
Still under construction and planned to be finished,
through public donations, by 2025
