Our first really early start this morning as a big day ahead (just for something different...he he)! Alarm set for 6.30am... think we were the first down for brekkie (couldn’t resist the €5 breakfast special!)
We were walking the short distance to Passeg de Garcia Metro around 7.45am thinking things would be hectic at this time - but not in Spain when businesses don’t start till much later! We had purchased our 10 trip ticket as advised by Angel at our hotel and within 15 minutes we had travelled the 3 x stops to Sagada Familia. Heaps early so plenty of time for coffee before meeting our guide Emilio for our 9am tour (prebooked before we left). We were obviously the first time slot as everything was just opening - much more chaotic later! Prebooking obviously essential at this time of the year - heard people being told that entrance tickets were sold out.
In regard to Sagada Familia - to say it was overwhelming is a gross understatement! Oh my God! Difficult to even begin to describe it.
The construction began in 1882 under the guidance of architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, but after disagreements with others involved he resigned and Antoni Gaudí took over and devoted the next 43 years of his life to the redesign. He focussed on nature and light in his unique style to create this incredible structure - an engineering genius and innovative creator. Since his death in 1926, and after sustaining significant damage during the Spanish civil war, construction has continued thanks to
funds from tourists maintaining Gaudi’s dream and plan. There are three facades on various sides - all different , with deep symbolism. And, the stained glass and the light that penetrates as a result of the angled architecture is beyond beautiful.
The tour with Emilio was great. I wondered how we could possibly fill over two hours but following all his detailed explanations and insights and our trip up and descent to one of the towers we still wanted more time to wander the museum area, the crypts, the audiovisual presentations and revisit the altar and cathedral area.
As so many had said to us this was an essential element of a trip to Barcelona and I feel blessed (literally) to have had the experience. Wonder if we can return in 8 years (2026 ) to witness the intended completion !?!?
It was almost midday by the time we were having a bocadilla and cold drink nearby, before walking several blocks to catch the No 92 bus to Park Guell. Was about 30 degrees by now but still bearable as we arrived at one of the entrances. We were informed that entrance to the monuments of the park had sold out for the day (disappointed as I didn’t realise I should have prebooked online!) Oh well... we had to make the most of it and walk through whatever areas we could . Still amazing! Hard to comprehend the mind of Gaudí - so unique on so many levels. The unusual canopied garden areas were both clever and attractive in their own way. You could easily recognise similarities to Sagada Familia.
We followed a group of young English tourists who were visiting Barcelona for a music festival, to the very top of the park along dirt tracks. The 360 degree views over the city, to the port and beach as well as inland were awesome!
Once back to the start I left Raym as he was exhausted and too hot, and covered
all the walkways I could to get as much visual as possible of the Centre Monument area. Fortunately there were plenty of vantage points for decent views- and I realised that a major section was under refurbishment so not accessible anyway. Once I found my way out and across the main front entrance to reunite with Raymo, we had quite good views of the monument area. Overall I was happy enough with what I was able to see.
We strolled down the hill, following signs to a Metro and it wasn’t too long and we were travelling on Line 3 back to Passeg de Garcia. We had a beer at a bar across from our hotel before returning to relax for a while. I wandered out for some retail therapy while Raym had a swim and a chill. Then it was the dinner time choice! Angel gave us a couple of recommendations and one, “El Nazionale”, not far from us proved interesting. Actually a complex of 4 x restaurants and several bars in a fabulous trendy atmosphere. We had a drink and some Pintxos then came back to a great Italian restaurant called El Raco, directly in front of the hotel in the middle of Las Ramblas. Great pizza, lovely salad - and Sangria was good too!
Well and truly ready for bed!