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Sagrada Familia: The Colorful Forest of Columns

I am an admirer to Antoni Gaudí’s architecture design that mostly inspired by the nature surrounding us. Despite criticism that the Sagrada Familia is no longer Gaudí’s or critics by George Orwell, as mentioned in “Homage to Catalonia,” who called it as one of a hideous buildings in the world;  Gaudí was the visionary person behind the idea of the Sagrada Familia to exist. He was not in a rush to finish his last lavish project that he wished to be the last great sanctuary of Christendom. He once stated, “My client can wait.”

Sagrada Familia

The forest of columns is “protecting” the altar (Sagrada Familia)

On my first visit to Sagrada Familia, the interior inside of the Sagrada Familia was under construction, and it was difficult to imagine what it would be like when it’s finished. Finally, on my second visit, I saw the changes and it was astonishing. It turned to be the most colorful church interior I have ever seen. It was surrounded by the magnificent forest of columns and glittered by bright lights of the intensely colorful stained glass windows. I could stay inside for hours admiring each detail of the design, and take images of the design from many angles. Sagrada Familia is a photographer’s wonderland.

As you entered inside of the Sagrada Familia, these incredible views would greet you. The stairs as pictured in the first image was to reach the towers, but the towers can be accessed using a lift – which was better to avoid being dizzy after climbing 400 steps of spiral staircase!

The walls have windows with colors of stained glasses; they bring spectacular colors through inside the Sagrada Familia.

Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia

National Geographic mentioned Sagrada Familia as an unfinished world wonder. I wonder if it will be a world wonder after its completion. It is on its way to being completed in 2026, marking a century of Antoni Gaudí’s death. It will not be the first worship place to get acknowledged as a world’s wonder, just name it: Angkor Wat, Borobudur, Saint Basil’s Cathedral and few more as listed by many worlds’s wonder organizations.

Compared to the first visit, Sagrada Familia on my second visit was much more crowded. I guess Sagrada Familia is getting more popular. If you are going to visit Sagrada Familia, please do book your ticket online (with specific entrance time) to avoid the long queue. I read the queue could take hours, so I booked the ticket online. It took me less than a minute to enter while I saw the long queue on the other side. Additionally, if you are planning to take pictures inside, do bring a tripod as some area could be very dark.

My Travel Monkey

151 Comments »

  1. These are great pictures Indah. One can only imagine what it will be like come 2026. I was in Rio de Janeiro in February, and visited a very interesting church there that I think you would have found interesting. The name is, ‘São Sabastião’. The outside of it is just a dull grey dome, to signify the distance between God and man brought on by sin, but the inside has a whole story to it, pertaining to the Christ and Church. If you ever get to Rio, you should check it out. Plus, Brazil is also full of many beautiful and articulate churches. I think you’d appreciate the architecture and photo opportunities.
    🙂

    • Thank you for this great info Staci! I looked it up via google images and impressed by the beauty of São Sabastião! I will certainly check it when I have a chance to visit Brazil 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful Sunday!

      • Oh wonderful. If and when you come to Brazil, please let me know. Maybe we can meet up. I live just two hours away from Ouro Preto, and I’m sure you would absolutely love the photo opportunities, culture and beautiful churches and architecture there.
        Have a great week Indah.
        🙂 ❤

  2. beautiful pics again, the church looks beautiful or maybe uve just made it with your pics.. im gonna have to steal you for your skills lady 🙂

  3. Absolutely stunning… Gaudi was such a genius!…
    Have a wonderful weekend, dear Indah…. best wishes. Aquileana 💗🌺💕💓

  4. Amazing banget Mba Indah 😀 arsitektur dan kaca-kacanya keren…. Makasih infonya Mba Indah, terutama info ada lift untuk naik ke atas.. kalau saya kesana bisa-bisa jalan lewat tangganya 😀

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