Barcelona

We are spending a few days in Barcelona before starting our journey through Lisbon back to Chicago.

Sagrada Família is probably the biggest tourist attraction in Barcelona. It has been under construction since 1882 and it is not finished yet. Latest estimate is it may be done by 2026. Designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. He worked on the project until his death in 1926. Others have continued his work since. On 7 November 2010 Pope Benedict consecrated the church and proclaimed it a minor basilica.

The stained glass constantly changes the light inside the basilica as sun moves through out the day. More orange by afternoon.

Blues and greens in the morning.

Altar

Gaudi was trying to make it look like a forest inside. It was impressive.

Lots of details on the exterior.

We got to go up in Nativity façade tower. Elevator ride up but a long walk down a spiral staircase.

We also visited the Casa Batilló a mansion Gaudí designed for the Josep Batilló family and completed in 1914. Lots of other Gaudí buildings and interesting architecture in Barcelona.

Interior of the building.

Pat was inspecting the Barcelona telecommunications infrastructure.

We took a guided walking tour and learned some of the local history. The tourist shops are full of images of bullfighters and flamenco dancers. They are not from this region (Catalonia) at all. They have outlawed bullfighting here. This guy is not promoting dental health but promoting speaking of the Catalan language.

What you will find in some of the tourist shops is this guy. A pooping peasant. During the holidays a nativity set in Catalonia will have one of these characters in the background. It is said the peasant symbolizes fertilizing the fields to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year. This shop only sells these little statues in different sizes. Also for sale are statues of politicians and public figures in this position.

Starting our journey home. Another beautiful public space in Barcelona. Bus for the airport leaves here every 4 minutes.