Got the metro today to Park Guell, a sprawling wonderland of colourful mosaics and nature-inspired architecture. It's famous for being one of architect Antoni Gaudí's greatest creations. The park is full of whimsical sculptures and stunning examples of Catalan modernism, but the ticket's were sold out when we arrived. No problems for our intrepid tour guide Lali who got straight online and organised the entry tickets. We spent about two hours walking through the iconic Gaudí structures, vibrant mosaics and scenic views, but I couldn't help but think it was a real estate sub division that had gone bad. There must have been a trillion tiles broken up to form the wonderful mosaics. Overall well worth visiting but a very confusing entry system.
We then decided to walk to our next destination Sagrada Familia, about a 20 minute downhill walk away. This is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. Construction began in 1822 and is due to finish in 2026?? Gaudi was responsible as chief architect, transforming the project with his architectural and engineering style, combining Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms. Gaudí took over construction in 1883 and devoted the remainder of his life to the project, and he is buried in the church's crypt. At the time of his death in 1926, less than a quarter of the project was complete. Interesting fact is that the stone needed to complete the building comes from Chorley in England. It is impossible to describe the facades and spires but that is what makes the whole site so interesting. If you were an architect you would not be able to sleep thinking about the weird design - it would do your head in. We took the steeple climb option which required an advance purchase of a ticket. Access is possible only by lift and a short walk up the remainder of the steeple to the bridge between the steeples. Descent is via a very narrow spiral staircase of over 300 steps. There is a posted caution for those with medical conditions, but I managed!
On the way back for a final aperitif, I experienced what it was like to get a professional pick pocket attack me on the crowded Metro. I had no idea my Kobo (e-book) had been lifted but thank goodness for the sharp eyes of Luis I got it back. If the idiot pick pocketer's had pillaged my other pocket they would have got my phone and wallet. So be warned, but it was a happy ending and a wake up call.
Tomorrow I leave for Madrid and I'll post my thoughts about this part of Spain - Barcelona.
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