Four Days in Barcelona
Welcome to Barcelona
The nearly 7 hour train ride from Paris to Barcelona was actually very pleasant. It was nice to rest our legs after days of walking the city and the scenery along the way was beautiful. When we departed the train in Barcelona it immediately felt different. It was warm, sunny, and a little more laid back but vibrant at the same time and the perfect welcome to Barcelona.
Our Airbnb was amazing. Not only was it very comfortable, but there was an awesome balcony looking right at the Sagrada Familia. Great job choosing this one Craig!
Sagrada Familia
If you have never heard of the Sagrada Familia, it is worth reading and learning about.
The Sagrada Família is the largest unfinished Catholic Church in the world. Designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, his work on Sagrada Família is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The project began in 1882 by architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, but technical differences, related to the cost of the materials, led to the dismissal of this architect and Antoni Gaudí was given the project which he dedicated himself to exclusively until his death in 1926.
Today, more than 140 years after the laying of the cornerstone, construction continues and the most recent construction completion date is 2026.
A Few Interesting Facts about the Sagrada Familia
Inspired by Nature: Antoni Gaudi drew his inspiration from nature both inside and out. As you walk through the interior the forest of trunks and branches have openings that let the light stream in like the branches of the trees in a forest and there is a magnificent play of light and colors from the stained glass windows.
Sagrada Familia’s design has no straight lines: Everything is free-hand or curvy. Gaudi disliked straight lines and angles. He said, “In nature, nothing is straight.”
Sagrada Familia is full of symbolism: Each facade is packed with hidden meanings and dozens of sculptures collectively telling the story of Jesus Christ. Because many of the working class during Gaudí’s lifetime were illiterate, Gaudí wanted to tell the story of Jesus through visual elements rather than through text.
There are also hidden symbols such as the Cryptogram: This magic square with sixteen numbers that allows one to count up to 310 different combinations, always adding up to the number 33 - the Christ’s age at his crucifixion.
The level of detail is incredible and every detail has meaning. It was wonderful to be staying so close because every time I walked by or looked across our balcony, I saw something different.
Besides being a magnificent work of art, the space is full of spirituality. I can’t imagine anyone not being moved by a visit to this incredible cathedral.
Casa Batlló
The Sagrada Familia is not the only work of Gaudi to explore in Barcelona. Casa Batlló is another amazing work of Antoni Gaudi we were able to visit in Barcelona. Between 1904 and 1906 Gaudi totally redesigned this space for the Batlló family.
The tour begins with a pre-show experience entitled “Inspiration of Gaudí: The Origin of Genius.” Stepping onto a moving walkway, you slowly journey past a figure of a Gaudí as a boy drawing at a desk. The music builds and everything around us was illuminated with the colors and images of air, water, fire and earth that would be a part of Gaudi’s lifelong portfolio of work. As a sickly child, nature was often the artist’s only companion.
The entire space inside and out is an incredible work of art. In addition to its artistic value, it has amazing functionality. Gaudi included details that were way ahead of his time. For example the open space in the center allowed for natural light and ventilation throughout with vents that opened and closed. He used simple solutions such as the color of the tiles and the size of the windows to bring natural light seven floors down from the rooftop.
There are magical details and links to nature everywhere: a mushroom-shaped fireplace, the organic shapes of the huge oak doors, stained glass panes and a totally wavy ceiling, which evokes the strength of the sea. Walking through the space is comfortable, peaceful, calming and just so interesting.
After touring the house we were led to “The Gaudí Cube,” a black box theater. As the lights dimmed and the “In the Mind of Gaudi” film began I wasn’t sure I could handle the motion and felt a moment when I wanted to flee. But as the room exploded with floor-to-ceiling projections, dramatic music and melting imagery of Gaudi’s most iconic architectural pieces, I settled in to enjoy the kaleidoscope of colors.
Because of it's commitment to autism, Casa Batlló is the first international cultural entity that has a team of neurodivergent people to attend to visitors. Just another super cool fact about this amazing place.
Park Guell
To reach Park Guell you climb a LOT of stairs! So many stairs you have to occasionally stop to catch your breath. We were grateful to reach the entrance and even more grateful we had purchased tickets in advance as we saw others turned away after making the climb. Like Paris, we planned well in advance and purchased tickets for Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo and Park Guell. We were so glad we did because had we waited they all would have been sold out.
Park Guell is another place to gaze in awe at the magical work of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. The homes and gardens were originally a part of a plan to build a luxury residential complex. When that project was abandoned, Gaudi designed the 19 hectare park. It has been open to the public since 1923 and in 1984 it was delcared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Streets of Barcelona
Some of our favorite moments happened walking the streets and taking in the vibrant energy of Barcelona. We witnessed talented street musicians, a bachelor party dancing through the streets, some great food, and friendly people everywhere.
We enjoyed a lovely four days in vibrant Barcelona walking the streets, taking in the sites, and gazing in awe at the works of Antoni Gaudi at the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo and Park Guell. If you ever get the chance, it is well worth the visit.
