Barcelona Photo Diary - More from Day 3

Barcelona's 'Block of Discord' is yet another architectural hub, flaunting many modernist designs. Most are closed to the public but Casa Batlló, Gaudi's House of Bones is wide open for us to explore.

I can't quite decide whether or not the skeletal structures dotted all over the front are captivating or creepy.

This is another hugely impressive and elaborate build, neighbouring Casa Batlló.

Inspired by the ocean, there is no straight line to be found in the House of Bones as Gaudi tried to mimic waves and currents in this build. 

The colour scheme also grants the place a particularly aquatic air. 

Looking up, the details around the lighting resemble patterns and prints you often see left in sand.

In keeping with the colour tones of the ocean, the central light well of Casa Battló is made up of a multitude of blue-y hued tiles, gradually becoming more vibrant as they near the top.

Out on the terrace we found more mosaics and pretty patterned tiles!

And the beautiful details don't stop there! Right up on the roof, even the chimneys flaunt a fancy design!

Arching over the top of Casa Battló there is a dragon's spine, made up of teeny tiny ceramic tiles. Noting the cross which tops off the building's turret, these details are believed to represent the tale of Saint George and the Dragon. 

On such a sunny day with a bright blue sky, the dazzling colours and contrasting tones were a winning combination! 

Safe to say, Gaudi strikes again. 

Barcelona Photo Diary - Day 3

On day three we ventured to what is probably Barcelona's biggest cultural attraction – Gaudi's Sagrada Familia. We spent our whole morning here, touring in and out and around the church in complete awe of the immense work and passion behind it. We took the chance to take in yet another breathtaking perspective of the city's skyline and caught a lift right to the top of one of the towers. 

It was the late 1800s when the building of the church actually began, and I find it hard to get my head round the fact that such an important piece of Spanish and architectural history is still in progress today, and that we get to see and be a part of its creation, is crazy.

Visiting the Sagrada Familia at this time was truly an unforgettable experience and I hope to go again in 2041 when it is finally complete! I took about a bazillion photos, (the rest of this post is pretty picture heavy), but they really don't do it justice.

Each side, or facade, of the Sagrada Familia symbolizes a particular period o Jesus' life. This side is the Nativity facade and here the magnificent design and abundance of detail glorifies the birth of Jesus. 

The opposite side of the church, depicts the death of Jesus and is known as the Passion Facade. It is much more stripped back and minimal to show the solemnity of the event. 

The interior is just as phenomenal as the exterior. The sun shining through the stained glass windows made for a rainbow lustre.

Every single column in the whole entire place has a star shaped base and are meant to represent trees and branches. 

After calculating the building's exact acoustics, Gaudi  found the most perfect and precise place for the church choir; right here on these little balconies.

I can handle heights, but it seems that Ally can't. Although I'm sure she'd agree that the slightly rickety lift to the top, and then an extreeeeemely narrow staircase just a little bit further, was a minor fee for such a view.  

Just outside the church is a funny looking building with a squiggly roof. Also built by Gaudi, this was used as a school for the children of those working on the Sagrada Familia when construction first commenced.

If visiting the Sagrada Familia isn't already on your to-do list, make some room for it now!

A two minute walk from the church, we came to Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau - Hospital of the Holy Cross and St Paul. Just one more of the architectural sensations which Barcelona boasts. 

We didn't go inside, but there is an option to tour the museum. 

Instead, we headed for Gaudi's Caso Batlló, also known as the House of Bones, but I'll save that for another post! Day 3 part two, coming up!