Degustación de Tapas - Part 3

My first full day in Barcelona was spent at the famous landmark -- the Sagrada Familia. Visualized by Gaudi, this is perhaps the most significant landmark in the city.

Here are some photos from the audio-guided tour; please enjoy!

View when you first enter via a side door: 

According to the audio-guide, Gaudi wanted the ceiling and pillars to resemble a forest, in which worshippers could enter a "garden like sanctuary". The pillars represent trees with branches. The jagged patterns outlining the edge of the ceiling represent leaves. 

Close up of the ceiling below:

The circular holes allow light to filter in, creating a very bright interior. These circles are designed in a unique way -- called "hyperbola" and their shape resembles a talking drum, or two cones stacked on top of the other. More information on hyperbola can be found HERE. 

Stained glass was everywhere. Almost all the interior windows are covered in colored glass. The result is a kaleidoscope of bright, warm color. 

These windows are near the side entrance, to the right.

Cutenekko stands in front of the most important point in the church -- the altar, showing Christ on the cross.
The golden arch at the top of the photo is a representation of God -- the light -- shining over worshippers. 

Standing near the main entrance doors, I shot a short video to give readers a sense of the size of the interior:

Beyond the altar, a recess in which Guadi's tomb rests: 

Outside, a facade showing the birth of Christ (the Nativity scene). This was completed by a Japanese artist! ^_^

An interior space for silent prayer and reflection. The theme is the Virgin Mary; she is seen at the top of the doorway. Visitors can take a lift up one of the tower spirals here too. (extra cost)

There is so much to see inside; you must go and visit yourself. Ticket prices include the audio guided tour, and entrance to a museum explaining some interior furnishings and Gaudi's designs.

After completing the Sagrada Familia, I ate lunch and visited a famous market in the city center. Come back tomorrow to read about that.

Sagrada Familia information and tickets can be found in the previous post HERE. 
Access via Metro (L2 to Sagrada Familia - MAP) or just walk from the city center (about 20 minutes). 
The Tourist Bus (large red and blue open top buses which cruise around Barcelona) also stops here (Tourist bus site is HERE).