A century of romance: Barcelona's must-see Gaudí buildings

Explore Gaudí's city and marvel at the unfinished romance of this building, begun in 1882, spanning a century.

The Sagrada Familia is a large Roman Catholic cathedral in Barcelona, ​​Spain. It is not only Barcelona's most famous landmark, but also one of the world's most unique buildings.

Designed by the legendary architect Antoni Gaudí, he dedicated his entire life to the project from 1883 until his death in 1926. Gaudí blended naturalism with Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau styles, creating a unique architectural language.

Construction began in 1882 and remains unfinished, making it "the only building in the world to be designated a World Heritage Site while still incomplete" (inscribed in 1984). The final completion date is expected between 2026 and 2032.

Gaudí's design was primarily inspired by nature. The interior of the church resembles a vast stone forest, with columns resembling tree trunks and ceilings shaped like leaves and flowers. The entire structure is devoid of straight lines, filled with flowing curves.

Entering the cathedral, you'll be struck by its breathtaking beauty. Vast stained glass windows filter sunlight into a dazzling array of colors, casting a shadow on the forest-like pillars. The entire space is both sacred and vibrantly natural, a pinnacle of Gaudí's architectural philosophy.

Our trip to Barcelona was fortunate, perhaps most significantly, that the sun broke out during our visit to the Sagrada Familia, revealing a dappled palette of warm and cool sunlight.

Post by BRIANNA HARRINGTON | Oct 25, 2025