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Sagrada Familia Interior

A monolith to Christianity, the Sagrada Familia is one of Catalonia's most iconic sights. If you're visiting Barcelona, and want to know more about it, read our guide to the brilliance of the Sagrada Familia, including the wonderfully-crafted interior!

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Image courtesy of Stock Holm/Shutterstock

What is the Sagrada Familia

To put it simply, La Sagrada Familia is a temple that was designed by world-famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. It was considered his Magnum Opus, but he was unable to finish it before his death more than 100 years ago. To this day, the monument has yet to be finished, with work continuing as you read this very sentence. Probably. Unless you're from the future? In which case, are flying cars any good? We've been waiting a long time for them.

The History of the Sagrada Familia

The idea for La Sagrada Familia popped into existence in the late 19th century when businessman Josep Bocabella visited the Vatican. It left such an impression on him that he hoped to recreate its magnificence in Barcelona, itself a very Catholic city.

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So, with his idea and no understanding of architecture, he approached some experienced builders and pitched it to them. Renowned Catalan architect Francisco de Paula del Villar accepted the challenge, and drew up plans for a classicly Gothic monument to Christianity. However, after the crypt was finished, creative disagreements with one of Bocabella's assistants led to him walking away from the project only a year after construction had begun.

Then, Bocabella approached Gaudí, who had already made a name for himself in the city. Gaudí accepted, and got to work on redesigning the entire project.

Unfortunately, the size and scope of the project would outlive both Bocabella and Gaudí, and damage to the latter's plans due to the Spanish Civil War led to a fifteen-year-long recovery job. Since then, work has restarted, with many famed builders assuming the mantle of lead architect. And after over a century since the project began, it's nearly complete!

The Sagrada Familia Interior

As soon as you see the Sagrada Familia, you'll understand why it's taken so long to complete. Its massive, intricate spires are quite unlike anything else on Earth. While it towers over nearly everything in the city, Gaudí demanded its tallest spire never supersede Montjuic Hill. A devout Catholic, he felt that no structure should ever exceed that of God's own making.

However, once you step inside its magnificent walls, it's like being transported into another world. A breathtaking mix of Gothic sensibilities and Gaudí's love of naturalism, every inch was intricately designed to celebrate the stories and figures of the Bible, as well as Mother Nature. A short glance at the church's massive columns will inevitably evoke thoughts of gazing up at huge tree trunks.

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Image courtesy of Luciano Mortula - LGM/Shutterstock

Given how many colors we see in nature, it's no surprise that Gaudí was quite the fan. Nearly all of his works are dripping in various colors and hues, and the Sagrada Familia is no different. Its massive stained glass windows fill the interior with beautiful mixes of reds, blues, yellows, and greens. Many techniques ensure that light focuses on specific parts of the Sagrada Familia interior. More strongly colored windows sit near the ground, while clearer ones further up, which ensures the impressive ceiling is bathed in light and draws your attention. At different times of day, the placement of the sun will dramatically affect the look of the church's inside, so you may want to visit it at more than one time during the day to see the difference!

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Then, there's the church's apse - the half-dome that usually sits above the altar. The Sagrada Familia's apse was Gaudí's first port of call after putting his own final flourishes on the half-done crypt. With its gaping windows letting in tons of natural light, grapevine-laden canopy, and its cross-topped altar, it's a magnificent sight and worthy of more than a few snaps.

You'll also notice the apse's walls feature angels shedding tears. They must like it too! Seven chapels branch off from the apse, and two spiral staircases wind their way up the façades like two giant stone snails!

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Speaking of the crypt, you can see how different the original design was when compared to the unique techniques applied throughout the rest of the Sagrada Familia interior! Familiar but no less stunning mosaic floors are laden with vines, roots, and other flora. Even though Gaudí already had a mind for nature in his work, it's likely he used these designs as a jumping-off point when redesigning everything above ground! Gaudí and Bocabella remain the only two people to be buried here, which is appropriate considering their importance to the project.

Given its utter brilliance, it's no wonder that the Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona's most popular tourist destinations. Rather than risk missing out or queuing for hours, why not book a guided tour of this magnificent building and learn all about it from someone a lot more clever than we are!

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Image courtesy of Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock

Gaudí's workings up close

Unlike his peers, Gaudí preferred creating to-scale models rather than relying on blueprints. What a guy. And that's good for you too, because you can also visit the Sagrada Familia museum and see many of his models up close for yourself!

While much of this burnt during the aforementioned civil war, the pieces that were used to restart the project are now contained within the museum. Inside, you'll find models of the spires, many parts of the interior, as well as photos, drawings, and other artifacts from the last 150 years. Well worth a visit, simply for the scale of some of these models, which easily tower above our measly human frames.

And that's everything you need to know about the Sagrada Familia interior! Enjoy your stay, and remember to take as many photos as possible!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Best Churches in Barcelona - Guide

Heading to Barcelona this year and interested in the city's deep connection to the Catholic faith? Or just looking for somewhere to chat to the big man upstairs? Check out our guide to the best churches in Barcelona, and see which best suits you! Including: La Sagrada Familia Basílica de Santa María del Mar Basílica de Santa María del Pi La Catedral de Barcelona Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús and more! La Sagrada Familia La Sagrada Familia isn't just one of the best churches in Barcelona - it's one of the most unique and eye-catching buildings on Earth. Designed by renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and only nearing completion 120+ years after work began, it's one of the most prominent jewels in Barcelona's crown. Each element, from the spires to the interior façades, was meticulously designed around themes of Christianity. Every inch holds meaning. There's nothing quite like it in any other place on the planet, making it an absolute must-visit for anyone visiting the city, Christian or otherwise. To make the most of your visit, and to uncover all the church's secrets, take a guided tour and get the low down from a learned guide. This is the way. Basílica de Santa María del Pi A 14th-century gem, the Santa Maria del Pi is named after a large pine tree that faced the church during construction. Widely considered one of the best churches in Barcelona, it mimics the Catalan Gothic style of Basilica de Santa María del Mar, with its less extravagant design and large, beautiful windows. In fact, the Santa Maria del Pi contains one of the world's largest rose windows, which is a magnificent sight to behold! Beyond the church's undeniable beauty and calm praying space, you'll find a small museum and treasury, which claims to contain a piece from Christ's crown of thorns. Whether that is the case or not has yet to be determined, but why not go and see for yourself? Basílica de Santa María del Mar Built back in the 1300s, the Basilica de Santa María del Mar is a testament to the beauty of the Catalan Gothic style. And what a style it is, with simple symmetry accentuating harmony. Its massive, stunning windows bathe the interior with light, which perfectly contrasts the weighty and somewhat daunting exterior design. A calm, quiet space in comparison to the loud, awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia, it's the perfect place to visit if you're not one for crowds. Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Sitting atop Barcelona's Tibidabo Mountain, the tallest hill in the city, you'll find the Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús. One of the more recent creations on this list, having been built between 1902 and 1961 by father and son Enric and Josep Sagnier, it's no less beautiful and deserving of a visit. With elements of Neo-Byzantine, Neo-Romanesque, and Neo-Gothic elements, it's a wonderful and unique mix you won't find anywhere else. On the outside, you'll admire its intricate spires and the statue of Jesus that looks out over the city. On the inside, gaze up at its massive dome. La Catedral de Barcelona Arguably Barcelona's second most recognizable church, the Catedral de Barcelona is one of the city's largest tourist attractions. Standing tall in the city's delightful Gothic Quarter, only something as unique and alien as the Sagrada Familia can overshadow its beauty. You can even ascend to the top of the cathedral and look over the district from up on high. Built over the course of 150 years, you can see the different eras and styles within its design. Make sure to visit the crypt of Saint Eulalia, a prominent Christian martyr and the namesake for the church's alternative name, the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia. Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes Tucked away from Barcelona's tourist-heavy center, you'll find the Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes. Another of the city's 14-century creations, its simple design was ordained by the king at the time, Jaume II. Its Catalan Gothic trappings mimic the other churches on this list built during the same period. However, what Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes does boast is beautiful gardens surrounding the entire building. So, if you want to add a nice, green stroll to your visit, it's worth checking out. Sant Pau del Camp In the free-spirited district of El Raval, you'll find the oldest church in the entire city. Built over 1200 years ago, the Sant Pau del Camp started life as a Benedictine monastery, but has since become a place of worship for many in Barcelona. Given its age, it's the only church of its kind in the city, and has been restored multiple times. Having witnessed civil war, conflicts, and invasions, it's no wonder the church has needed some TLC over the years. It might not top this list for its fancy design or prominence, but it's absolutely one to visit for its history. Santa Maria de Montserrat This final entry might be a bit of a cheat as it's not technically in Barcelona, but just a short trip away, the Santa Maria de Montserrat absolutely deserves to be seen. You can make your own way there on public transport, but we'd recommend taking a stress-free guided tour up the mountain. Santa Maria de Montserrat is a monastery founded in the 11th century and rebuilt between the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it still functions with over 70 monks and is notable for enshrining the image of the Virgin of Montserrat. You can head inside and look around, though, given its popularity, you may be waiting some time unless you get there early. There's also a nearby museum, where you can learn about the church's history. Easily one of the best churches in Barcelona, if you allow a little wiggle room on the subject. And that's our list of the best churches in Barcelona! Looking for more things to do and see on your vacation to the Catalan capital? Check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can experience all of Barcelona's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley
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Adventurous Things to do in Barcelona

Is the monotony of real life getting you down? Ever feel like your weeks pass without any...excitement? That all changes now. Book your vacation to Barcelona, pack your most badass sunglasses, and read on. Because we've found the most adventurous things to do in Barcelona, and we've written them down just for you. Including: Segway swerving Cable climbing Escape escapades Watery wonders Wave warping and more!   Ciutadella Segway tour Adventure means many things to many people. For some, it may be deemed adventurous to try a new type of chip. Paprika flavor, or something equally exotic. But people like you, surely you're looking for something completely out of your comfort zone. How about traveling on two wheels while standing up? Now that's a segue...into Segway! Yes, you too can board your very own two-wheeled wonder and explore the beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella on this adventurous tour. And don't worry, if you've never operated this people magnet, you'll get a few lessons before burning off into the distance with your guide, at which point they'll impart key knowledge to keep your brain bulging all day. Learning and adventure? Say it isn't so.   Barcelona Cable Car Do you like getting high? As in, high above the ground? Do you dare put your life and safety in the hands of a cable car? Well, if you do, then you'll love hopping aboard the Montjuïc Cable Car - the easiest and safest way to make it to the top of one of Barcelona's most picturesque places. Built back when Barcelona hosted the 1992 Olympic Games, this 750m journey begins at Parc de Montjuïc before ascending - smoothly - towards Castell de Montjuïc. Look out the window, and you'll see stunning sights such as Gaudi's great Sagrada Familia. Then, explore the castle, snap some pics, and hop on to return back to terra firma. Heart-pumping, gravity-defying fun!   Illa Fantasia Waterpark Water; nature's life-giver. Over half of our bodies are made up of it. Hell, we need to drink it to survive. We should thank water. Every day. But that doesn't mean we can't have little fun with it. That's why you adventurous types should sprint down to Illa Fantasia Waterpark, where you can bodaciously ride some sick water slides. Alongside the park's 22 thrilling slides, you can also take on the wave pool, and then, when you want to take a break, grab a bite at one of the park's many restaurants. Adventure. Fun. All in one. So why not check it out if you're the daring sort?   Escape Hunt Barcelona Have you ever been stuck in a lift? It can be terrifying. No amount of button pushing, screaming, or door-banging can save you. You simply have to wait for maintenance to fix the issue. But, what if the lift was merely a challenge to overcome? What if there were a series of clues you had to solve to open the doors. Could you do it then? Why not put your supposed lift-escaping powers to the test at Escape Hunt Barcelona. Yes, despite our overly-complex explanation, we're talking about escape rooms! Just a stone's throw from Sagrada Familia, you'll find six challenging rooms with puzzles to solve, clues to discover, and ultimately, one exit you need to open. Can you solve the mystery of Gaudi and escape his artistic prison? Will you outsmart the Vampire of Barcelona's devious schemes? Can you break out of the School of Thieves? All of these questions, and more, will be answered when you head to Escape Hunt Barcelona! Oh, and the games can be played in English too, if you'd rather not make proceedings even harder than they already are.   Surfing Let's go back to the water for our next choice on the list - surfing. There are no two ways about it; surfing is cool. It looks cool, cool people do it, and the thrill of riding the waves probably feels cool, literally. We wouldn't know, as we barely have the stomach for such adventure. But you probably do! So why not get on the waves and show that water who's boss? Arguably the best place to catch waves in Barcelona is at Barceloneta Beach. So, if you've got the skills to pay the bills, feel free to grab a board, swim out, and get surfing! However, if you're a little green behind the ears and need a few pointers, why not try a surfing school? It's a great way to meet new people and make a fool of yourself while you learn. Then, when they least expect it, you can dazzle them with a flip or something. Now that's surfing!   Barcelona Bike Tour Another great way to see more of the city while getting your blood pumping - cycle tours are one of the best adventurous things to do in Barcelona. For three hours, your English-speaking guide will ride with you as you explore and learn all about the timeless city. Taking you through the likes of Old Town and the Raval Neighborhood, as well as riding past landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia and the Vila Olímpica, it's the perfect way to see the sights, catch some sun, and, more importantly, have fun! And don't forget your camera, because you can't pander to your 7 followers without taking a few snaps of your discoveries.   Scuba Diving Let's end this list on, you guessed it, the water! Who knew everyone's favorite drink could be so packed full of adventure! This time, we're going deep underwater to explore the seabed. That's right, baby, it's scuba diving! What's more thrilling than being stuck underwater breathing through an oxygenated tube? Nothing, nothing at all. You'll find plenty of diving schools throughout Barcelona, but if you want to err on the eco-friendly side, go with Underwater Barcelona. They pride themselves on being the only eco-diving company in town, so go check them out. They have a whole host of courses, services, and specialties on offer, so no matter your proficiency, they've got you covered. And those are our picks for the most adventurous things to do in Barcelona!
Dom Bewley
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Romantic Things to do in Barcelona

Spain is without a doubt one of the most romantic countries in Europe, filled with glorious food, stunning architecture and idyllic beaches. Most popular with tourists is Barcelona, with thousands of vacationers flocking to the Catalonian capital each month. So, it’s no surprise that you’re looking to plan a romantic vacation to Barcelona. Here we’ve put together a list of the most popular attractions and activities when searching for romantic things to do in Barcelona, including... La Sagrada Familia Casa Batlló La Pedrera Park Güell Moco Museum Erotic Museum La Boqueria Market Turó de la Rovira and more.... 1. La Sagrada Familia If Barcelona is famous for one thing, it’s the stunning architectural work of Antoni Gaudí. With his masterpieces dotted across the city, it would be hard to miss a visit to at least one of them. La Sagrada Familia, perhaps the most famous landmark in Spain, is a must for visitors in Barcelona and it’s sure to get those sparks flying. Take a guided tour around the basilica, where you can learn about the building's different facades and the fascinating history behind this awe-inspiring building, which is still yet to be completed! If you have a spare moment, taking a lift to the top of the building will offer you unforgettable views of Barcelona from one of the tallest churches in the world.A few of Gaudi’s other creations include Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, both of which are located on Passeig de Gràcia, so pay them a visit if you’re passing. 2. Park Güell Park Güell is the perfect place to take a romantic stroll. Overflowing with yet more of Gaudi’s modernist architectural works, spending a few hours here and taking a guided tour is definitely worth your time. 3. Moco Museum A visit to a museum or two won’t go a miss on your romantic getaway. The Moco Museum is an independent museum full of modern and contemporary art that is sure to blow your mind. Check out the incredible immersive exhibitions – the perfect place to snap that couple's pic to send to the family group chat. 4. Erotic Museum Another popular option, perhaps not one for the group chat, is the Erotic Museum of Barcelona. Centrally located on La Rambla, why not swing by for a bit of a sexy history lesson? Here, you’ll explore the unusual history and culture of eroticism through playful exhibits and unique artifacts. This is definitely one for a passionate adventure in Barcelona. 5. La Boqueria Market This bustling market can be found in the heart of Barcelona. From colourful sweets and fresh fruit to jamón ibérico and spices and nuts, this market is a foodie's dream. Popular with locals and visitors alike, La Boqueria is a treat for all senses so dive right in to find the best deals around. As well as the ingredients listed above, there’s plenty of top-notch tapas bars where you can sample the market’s fresh produce right then and there. 6. Tapas, Sangria and more Evenings in Barcelona with your other half are undoubtedly best spent enjoying scrumptious food and sipping on the Spanish classic, sangria. We suggest heading to the Gothic Quarter or venturing along the marina, where you’ll find hundreds of bars and restaurants offering up the tastiest paella and tapas. 7. Turó de la Rovira Or, if you fancy something a bit more homemade, make the trek to Turó de la Rovira, also known as the Bunkers del Carmel, and pack a picnic. Once used as a strategic defence site during the Spanish Civil War, this incredible viewpoint sits 262 meters above sea level, giving unparalleled views of the city. Be warned, it’s a bit of a hike, but cosying up to watch the sunset with a glass of sangria in hand doesn’t sound like a bad idea, right? 8. Old Town and Gothic Quarter Still looking for activities to inspire love? Wander around the streets of Barcelona on an Old Town and Gothic Quarter Tour. Take in the charm and character of the Cuitat Vella and explore the city’s rich history and culture as you navigate the narrow streets with a knowledgeable guide. You’ll find plenty of hidden gems along the way too so keep your eyes peeled. Save on Attraction Admission So there you have it –- a few romantic things to do in Barcelona that are guaranteed to give off those date night vibes so you can fall in love all over again! A few of these Barcelona attractions are included on the All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass with Go City®, so check out what options we have to save on attraction admission.
Cara Merren

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