If the Alhambra is Spain's most visited tourist site, La Sagrada Familia must be a very close second - and gaining fast. The queue went around to the opposite side of the site, although moved at a steady pace to only take an hour. Rain didn't dampen our enthusiasm, nor did the umbrella sellers appearing from nowhere.
There was an Aussie couple in front of us and I am not sure if he was being cute or dumb. He commented to his partner that the Sagrada family must have been rich to build this cathedral!
The building design is unbelievable. Gaudi was a strong Catholic and has used the gospels in determining the themes of the building. Work commenced in 1882 and he assumed control in 1883.
The current entrance depicts the passion of Christ while the opposite side (where our queue started) depicts the nativity. The main entrance (Glory) is yet to be constructed. There will eventually be 18 towers - the major one at 170mr will represent Christ.
Completion is expected between 2020 and 2040 although Benedict XVI consecrated the building in 2010. I suspect part of the delay is that tourists are scrambling all over a work site. Still, these same tourists tip a lot of euros into the budget.
There is also a delightful little building on site that Gaudi designed and built in 1907 as a school for the children of labourers at the site - way ahead of his time.
The interior is a marvel of vaulting ceilings, high columns, decorations reflecting nature and a very simple altar.
The light is stunning with red, orange, green and blue predominant in the stained glass.
From here we headed off towards Passeig de Garcia. On the way we stumbled across Mercat de la Concepcio, a fruit, meat and flower market. After lunch at a cafe in the side street, we reentered the market to catch the end of about a dozen female workers performing line dancing as a lunch time break. Even women behind the counter joined in from their post!
From here we walked passed Casa Battlo, a Gaudi riot of blue and green ceramics on a private house. The neighboring properties were delightful facades too, but pale against the master.
We separated here while Bruce went shopping and I headed off to Museu Picasso. On the way I passed the Palau decla Musica Catalana and Mercat de Santa Caterina, both a burst of colour. The lane ways of La Ribera were just as attractive as Gotic. Eventually I made it to Museu Picasso however there was a long and slow moving queue.
I wandered back and did a quick tour of the Catedral - it needs some TLC or maybe it's gothic design is just dark and brooding after the fancy of La Sagrada Familia.
Back home for a rest. The Harrises had a great day at Camp Nou, even getting tickets for tomorrow night's champions league match between Barcelona and Dutch team Ajax.
We dined at El Gran Cafe again but it was not the same. Different waiter and slow service.