We started our day with a sightseeing tour by bus. Our first stop on Friday was Park Guell. This is a fanciful park at the foothills of the city. It was designed by genius Antoni Gaudi to be an upscale housing community in the late 1800s. Gaudi had vision way beyond his times - used recycled materials, designed ergonical seating and incorporated shapes from nature. His work is distinctive and unique. The development didn't succeed as it was too far out of the city but it is now a gorgeous park with a terrace that offers sweeping views of the city.
Guadi's work is visible throughout Barcelona. We passed several of his homes on the bus tour and had seen one of his incredible fountains on the bike tour yesterday. He had a wealthy patron and was able to design and build many unique structures.
Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece is the Sagrada Familia ( Holy Family Church ). It is a wildly creative and deeply religious structure. Started in 1883 under Gaudi, it had many set backs (construction was revitalized in preparation for the 1992 Olympics ) and is now scheduled to be completed in 2026. Gaudi died in 1926 but the construction follows his design. The inside was finished enough to host a consecration Mass by the Pope in 2010. I have never seen an inside of a church like this one. Gaudi was extremely religious and loved nature. The interior is a reflection of this. The columns are like tree trunks and feels like a rainforest or perhaps something out of Star Wars. Hard to believe it was all designed in the late 1800s. I loved it. Another highlight for me.
Our day quickly came to a close after walking around Las Ramblas ( main avenue ) and making a fun stop at the La Boqueria market ( complete with lamb heads for sale ). I am sorry we didn't get to the Picasso museum or tour the Cathedral of Barcelona. Oh well, perhaps I will return in 2026 to see the completed Sagrada Familia and take in these other gems of Barcelona. It is a wonderful city.
Wake up call for Saturday morning is 3:30am. Departure for airport at 4:15am. Sad to leave this wonderful country but ready to go home.
Loved reading both of your Barcelona entries. It sounds like such an appealing city! How lucky to have the bike ride as an option - what a great way to see more of the city!
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