“What must be always preserved is the spirit of the work; it’s life will depend on the generations that transmit this spirit and bring it to life.” Antoni Gaudí, architect

Gaudí may have had a premonition that he’d never see his wondrous cathedral completed and that it would take generations of brilliants architects to move his vision forward. Regarded by many as the world’s best architect, Antoni Gaudí would leave an indelible mark throughout Barcelona and the world.

The ​Basílica de la Sagrada Família​ (Basilica of the Holy Family), the No. 1 tourist site in Barcelona, is an unfinished Roman Catholic minor Basílica that looms large over the city. It was consecrated in November 2010, by Pope Benedict XVI. The Basílica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is scheduled for completion in 2026, marking the 100th Anniversary of Gaudí’s death.

A lot of progress has occurred since my last visit 20 years ago … the church ceiling on the nave has been completed and there was no need to walk under scaffolding inside. What kept running through my mind was what a wonderful, peaceful serene space that exists now even with throngs of tourists wandering about in awe. I had that same feeling then when it was a full-on construction site.

Construction began in March of 1892 under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. In 1893, when Villar resigned, Gaudí took over as chief architect, transforming the project with his architectural and engineering style, combining Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms. Gaudí devoted the remainder of his life to the project and he’s buried in the crypt. At the time of his death in 1926, less than a quarter of the project was completed.

The Sagrada Familia relies solely on private donations and tickets sales for its construction which has progressed slowly over the decades. During the Spanish Civil War, rebels set fire to the crypt, partially destroying Gaudí’s original plans, drawings and plaster models. It took over 16 years of work to piece together the fragments of the master model.

We arrived early morning before the crowds and got to feel the immense and peaceful aura of the place. Once inside, the morning sunlight filtered through the massive stained glass windows and reflected its glorious colors on the columns that rise like trees to the heavens. This colorful light show constantly changed as the sun shifted.

The beauty of this space can not be described in mere words. One must experience the enormity of its space; the details of its exteriors need to be seen and viewed down to its smallest details. Gaudí created such a mixture of natural elements into his design that I believe he saw his fellow man blending into its space. Personally I felt I was just another small detail of his grand vision.

Today’s plan was to go from the Sagrada Família to Gaudí’s ​Parc Güell​, but they have divided the park into two areas and the one with the beautiful mosaics and grotto now has an entrance fee and the lines were too long. Our Sagrada ticket included a visit to The Gaudí House-Museum located within the Park Güell. This historic home houses a collection of furniture, personal effects and objects designed by him. One fact that I found interesting was the house was not designed by him. Gaudí lived in the house for over 20 years. The terraced garden was strewn with his sculptures.

His designs were revolutionary, but on his personal side Gaudi lived a very simple and pious life as he was devoutly religious.

​On the Menu … Taco Bell!​ How could I not pass the chance when it was luring me in from across the Sagrada Familia. Leyta and Steven went out for a fantastic meal as we were later told, but David was sadly not up to par. Instead I suffered on a crusty baguette, Spanish cheeses and olives and white anchovies, all purchased at the fabulous Boqueria the day before.