La Sagrada Familia (Barcelona)

Sagrada Familia is the most unique and flamboyant landmark in Barcelona, accredited as a UNESCO world heritage site despite the fact that it is still a work in progress. Construction is still on-going, with a completion date expected in 2026. It was the most ambitious project of the celebrated Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, and features three monumental facades that somehow marry science fiction with traditional fairy tale. On cheap city breaks in Barcelona, you will savour remarkable leaning columns that defy the laws of gravity and rippling contours in the stone work that give the impression that the whole structure is continually melting in the sunlight.

 

This monumental unfinished masterpiece is open to visitors who can tour the nave, the crypt where Gaudi is buried and climb the so called Passion and Nativity towers. To appreciate the sheer complexity and imagination of Gaudi’s great design, browse the documents, plans and multimedia displays in the small museum which is sure to inspire and captivate anyone remotely interested in architecture. If you have enjoyed Barcelona weekend breaks before, you will notice many of Gaudi’s subtle nuances and symbolism found at his other extravagant creations at Parc Guell and Casa Batllo. 

La Sagrada Familia receives over 2.5 million visitors a year, which makes it probably the most popular building site in the world. When completed, there will be a total of 18 spires, and it will be the tallest church in the world. Despite much of it still being encased in scaffolding, there are fantastic photo opportunities galore and by walking around the site you will be fascinated by the sheer contrasts in texture and colour. It really is the pinnacle of short breaks in Barcelona, and an absolute visual treat. It also casts an imposing silhouette over the city skyline after nightfall.