Day 12: Barcelona - Sagrada Familia, Gaudi architecture and Parc Guell

Sagrada Familia

For first full day in Barcelona, we had planned to visit the Sagrada Familia church (Sacred Family) . We had booked the tickets in advance, weeks ahead and there is an option to go up the tower, which also included audio guides, which we bought with the ticket entrance. Our entrance was for 1pm, and we stood in line by 12:30pm, but they asked us to come back, as one lady was checking everyone's tickets with entrance times by walking along the line. 
In the meantime, we strolled along the street visiting the souvenir booths across the church. 

Winding staircase going down from viewing tower

The church is the most important work of Gaudi's architecture and we were just awed by the lofty celings, splendid stained glass windows with warm colors on the east side and cool colors on the west side. The interior of the church was so well done in contrast with a simple altar. 

High ceilings and beautiful Gothic architecture

After looking around the church, we took the elevator up to the tower and had a nice of Barcelona from a small balcony up there. We had to come down by stairs, which were winding and became narrower as we came down. It took about 15-20 minutes to come down. We were not allowed to take backpacks up the elevator, and they provide lockers that lock with a one Euro coin, that you get back once you take your belongings out. 

Stained glass windows facing west

Casa Batlo - Gaudi architecture

After Sagrada Familia, we walked down to the metro stop and got off at the Passieg de Garcia and saw the Casa Mila or La Pedrera building by Gaudi. Unique, beautiful building. You can pay an extra fee to go up and visit an apartment in the building. 

Casa Mila or La Pedrera

From there, we crossed the street and walked along to see another building by Gaudi - Casa Batlo. You can also go up this building to see the interior. 
Passieg de Gracia is a wide, clean boulevard with shops on both sides, restaurants and nice buildings. Earlier that day, we also booked tickets to visit Parc Guell which has an area to visit Gaudi's architecture. 

Parc Guell - Gaudi architecture

We took the metro to the nearest stop, Vallcarca (north Barcelona) and walked up the hill to Parc Guell. There are several escalators on the street to help with the inclined walk and finally, we reached the park after about 1/2 hour. The architecture in the park was amazing as well, and we are glad we visited, however, would have been better to visit a little earlier in the day, as it was 10pm by the time we left.

Parc Guell at sunset

Salamander - Gaudi architecture and mosaic work

Parc Guell - beautiful mosaic work by Gaudi