Firstly, we had tickets booked to see La Sagrada Família, famous Catholic basicilia designed by Gaudi, but not intended to be built in his lifetime. It is still a work in progress, the construction has been going on for around 100 years as quickly as it is funded by donations. There is now a push to complete it by 2026 which is the centenary of Gaudi's death. Hence there are cranes overhead as a massive central tower takes shape over 100 years after it was first designed. You can see in the photos the blend of old and new stonework.
Up close, you can see the amazing detail. Unlike many churches, the stories are told on the outside, while inside is very modern looking.
Our tickets included a tour up one tower. There was a lift that took us much of way up, then the remainder we had to walk up a tight spiral stone staircase.
Once we reached the top. we had a brief moment outside crossing betweens steeples. It is very high, so we got a good view of the city below.
This is a view up the hollow centre of one of the steeples, taken from the spiral staircase.
We then had to descend down 480 steps, spiraling down to the ground level.
We then spent some time in the main church. It is incredibly tall inside and due to Gaudi's unique and modern design has very clean lines.
The stained glass windows on each side are different colour to represent cool sunrise and warm sunset.
Here's some final shots taken out of the rear of the building where we exited.
Next we had tickets for the "hop on hop off bus" which we tend to use in most cities we visit. Except in Barcelona, the bus was very busy and at Sagrada Familia there was a very long queue. We will had a travel pass, to jumped on the nearby underground, went two stops, and there we found another place the bus stops and no line! So we soon as a bus arrived, we jumped on. Cunning!!!!!
The bus took us all around the city seeing all the landmarks. There are three circuits and for each we had to swap bus. Also in between routes we stopped for lunch at a local bakery, and a quick return to the hotel for a pit stop. The buses were more "hop on stay on" as they were so busy, once we had a seat we didn't want to give it up. Especially when seated upstairs in the open.
Garden allotments...
Fountain...
Various famous places...
Overall a pleasant way to see the broader city.
Next we took some time to find a laundromat and catch up on domestic duties. It's important we have clean clothes, especially underwear, before getting on the ship tomorrow. Figuring out how to use the machines was fun, I had to use Google translate before someone who spoke English offered to help me.
To end our time in Barcelona, we returned to the Italian restaurant near our hotel for a third time. We were welcomed back by the owner who was sad to hear we were moving on. But pleased our next stops would be Italy!
Tomorrow, we are heading to the cruise terminal and joining Spectrum of the Seas for her maiden voyage.
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