Day 337 - Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is Gaudi's most famous work in Barcelona. It is a giant temple that has been under construction since 1882, and is not expected to be completed for another 30-80 years.

Much controversy surrounds the building. After Gaudi died (ran over by a Tram!) many Barcelonins felt the church should have been left as it was. Anarchists destroyed models of the remaining structure during the civil war, but spared the building. Many people think of it as just plain ugly (hence the origin of the word 'gaudi'). The design for completion and the materials to be used have been hotly debated. The picture below highlights the contrast in building materials from the original completed section vs. the new section.

Whatever your impression of this building it is a remarkable visual experience and full of surprises (is that a tree? is that fruit? is the building melting?).

I was also impressed with the interior, particularly the ceiling. Unfortunately, very little of the interior was accessible for viewing due to ongoing construction.