La Sagrada Família (or, Barcelona, pt. I)

Today was our last full day in Barcelona, and we spent it walking around the city in search of works by Gaudí. We passed by the Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, which were both impressive, but they were nothing in comparison to La Sagrada Família. This huge Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, it was begun in 1882 and is still under construction today. The interior was designed to look like a forest, with the columns resembling tree trunks and branches.

I don't know how to describe the experience of being inside...this will seem like a complete hyperbole, but I felt hopeful and whole in a way I don't think I ever have before. There was an ambiance inside that felt full of love and community. Perhaps it was the way the sun came through the stained-glass windows, or perhaps it was my over-sentimentality. Regardless of the reason, I'd be lying if I said that being inside that church didn't bring me to tears. If ever you find yourself in Barcelona, you have to visit La Sagrada Família.