Places in Spain - Barcelona Sagrada Familiar

This modernist work of art will inspire you and is the top attraction in the city. Begun in 1882 it was planned as a neo-Gothic style church. Gaudi took over the construction in 1884 and immediately changed the direction and scale of the building, seeing it as an opportunity to express his own feelings. He spent much of his life working on the church and was still adapting and changing the plans when he died in 1926. He was struck by a tram on Gran Via and most of Barcelona turned out for his funeral. Today the church remains unfinished although some further work has been done. The size of this church is to be wondered at. Eight spires rise to over 100 metres. The towers were planned by Gaudi to represent the twelve apostles. There was originally to be a 180 metre high tower, topped with a lamb to symbolise Jesus. The facades of the church are divided into porches, devoted to faith, hope and charity. Each porch has its own set of sculptures. It is possible to climb more than 400 twisting steps inside one of the towers or take the elevator. In the crypt is the museum dedicated to the life and work of Gaudi.