Since the fabulous Sagrada Familia was recently selected by TripAdvisor's users as one of the most beautiful buildings in the entire planet, I thought I would share a little story I wrote during a trip to Barcelona back in 2019, it's based on the actual trip, but it is a bit fictionalized. I hope you like it:
The sun was shining brightly as Emma and Mark stepped out of the metro station and walked towards the towering spires of La Sagrada Familia. They had been looking forward to this moment for months, ever since they booked their tickets to Barcelona for their anniversary. They had always wanted to see the famous church designed by Antoni Gaudí, the genius architect who had left his mark all over the city.
They joined the queue of visitors waiting to enter the church, holding hands and admiring the intricate details of the façade. They noticed the contrast between the older, darker side that depicted the Nativity, and the newer, lighter side that depicted the Passion. They also spotted the symbols and figures that Gaudí had incorporated into his design, such as the four evangelists, the twelve apostles, and the Tree of Life.
They had bought their tickets online, so they didn't have to wait long to get inside. They scanned their tickets at the entrance and put on their audio guides, which would explain the history and meaning of the church. They followed the signs and entered the main nave, where they were greeted by a burst of colors and light.
They gasped in awe as they looked around the interior of the church, which was unlike anything they had ever seen before. The columns rose like giant trees, branching out into the ceiling and creating a forest-like atmosphere. The stained glass windows filtered the sunlight and created a rainbow of hues that filled the space. The walls and ceilings were decorated with geometric shapes and organic forms, inspired by nature and Catalan culture.
They walked slowly along the nave, listening to the audio guide and learning more about Gaudí's vision and work. They learned that he had devoted the last years of his life to the church, which he considered his masterpiece. He had died in 1926, after being hit by a tram, leaving the church unfinished. His plans and models were destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, and the construction had continued with the help of other architects and artists, following his style and spirit.
They reached the altar, where they saw the crucifixion of Christ, suspended above a canopy that resembled a starry sky. They felt a sense of reverence and wonder, as they contemplated the beauty and symbolism of the scene. They also noticed the organ pipes, which were arranged in a spiral shape, and the choir seats, which were carved with musical notes.
They decided to go up to the towers, which offered a panoramic view of the city and the church. They took the elevator to the top of the Nativity tower, which was dedicated to the birth of Christ. They walked along the bridge that connected the two spires, and admired the sculptures and mosaics that adorned them. They saw the figures of angels, animals, and plants, as well as the words "Hosanna" and "Excelsis" in Latin.
They looked down and saw the park across the street, where they had taken a picture of the church earlier. They also saw the other landmarks of Barcelona, such as the Montjuïc hill, the Agbar tower, and the sea. They felt a breeze on their faces and a warmth in their hearts, as they realized how lucky they were to be there, together.
They took the elevator down and exited the church, feeling inspired and moved by what they had seen. They thanked Gaudí for his gift to the world, and hoped that one day, the church would be completed, as he had envisioned. They agreed that it was the highlight of their trip, and one of the most memorable experiences of their lives.
They walked hand in hand towards the metro station, ready to explore more of the city. They still had a lot to see and do, such as visiting Park Güell, another masterpiece by Gaudí, or strolling along Las Ramblas, the famous boulevard. They also wanted to try some of the local cuisine, such as paella, tapas, montaditos, and sangria.
They smiled at each other and kissed, feeling happy and in love. They knew that Barcelona was a magical city, and that La Sagrada Familia was a wonder of the world. They also knew that they had each other, and that was the greatest wonder of all.