Sagrada Familia and Palau Guell

Today was basically about Gaudi, the famous Spanish architect who started the fabulous church called Sagrada Familia. We had 2 local guides today which allowed our group of 31 to be split into small groups while touring. We all used the same bus, but when we got to a site we were in our small group. The Sagrada Familia was started 137 years ago and is a Catholic Church. It has been funded by donations, with no money coming from any government entity. It is still a work in progress with several cranes and lots of workmen. We had been here 15 years ago and at that time they were just beginning to work on some of the balconies and the floors were not installed yet.

The building is fanciful, extraordinary, unique and amazing. It is very organic. In 7 years it will be the 100th anniversary of the death of Gaudi and they are trying to complete the church by then. He was a young man when he died accidentally, being run over by a tram. Since his death and after a fire destroyed most of his plans other architects and craftsmen have taken on the design and completion of the building.

We also went up to Montjuic to get an overview of the city and to see some of the Olympic venues.

Our hotel gave us free tickets to tour Palau Guell, a private home designed by Gaudi. It was magnificent. The decorations of wood, wrought iron, tile work, stonework and fantasy were amazing.

The famous bow window from outside

Music balcony overlooking large reception area

Some of the 18 chimneys on the rooftop – we are wearing headphones, have not grown stuff on our heads!

We missed going into the main Cathedral because there was a funeral there. Now we have a reason to return.

Tapas for dinner tonight, a short walk and packing up. Our bags are being collected tonight so when we fly to Malaga tomorrow morning we can get right on our bus and start touring. Our luggage will be transported overnight by bus to our next hotel.

Early morning- we leave at 7:15 so early to bed. Good night.