La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

The Sagrada Familia is apparently the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. When I was last here twenty five years ago it was an all out ruin, a project abandoned.

What is La Sagrada Familia famous for? It is famous for being one of the most iconic examples of Antoni Gaudí's unique style, combining elements of Art Nouveau, Catalan Modernism, and Spanish Late Gothic design. The theme of nature figures prominently in Gaudí's design, both in terms of symbolism and the use of organic shapes and forms. Peaking out of openings as you go down the stairs you see a ceramic mosaic tiled pineapple(see below).

The most astounding part of the construction that has been completed since I was last there is the stained glass. It is everywhere and it is mesmerizing. It is also not religious (unless you see awe-inspiring art as spiritual)--which is ironic, because the initial inspiration and funding for the project was aimed at increasing Catholocism in Barcelona, which was waning at the time.

Would Gaudi be surprised that a construction project begun in 1882 was not yet finished almost 150 years later? No. When Gaudí died in 1926, only the Nativity facade, one tower, the apse, and the crypt were finished. Gaudí, whose tomb is beneath the cathedral, knew he would not live to see the completion of his vision, believing it would take 200 years. La Sagrada Familia was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.