After too much thought, I went with a shot of the front opening of the facility. It gives the impression that the building was in the sun too much at midday and melted just enough to be messed up. Think of a bar of chocolate, and you'll get the idea.
Where to start? It was mostly designed by Antoni Gaudí, a name heard around Barcelona more than any other. Construction on the building started in 1882, and Gaudi took over the design job a year later. Well, as of this writing it's 2024, and the place isn't finished yet. (Supposedly, the target date for completion is 2026.) In the meantime, it is open for business. It's the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. Even so, it still towers over the surrounding neighborhood in Barcelona.
The Basilica (and no, it's not a cathedral) has plenty of history that you can read elsewhere. Speaking as a visitor, what struck me is that the building doesn't take up as much space as I thought it would. It's about a square block, as it is tucked into the neighborhood. The main building takes up most of that block. Perhaps the fact that church administration doesn't need much space (compared to the cathedral) is the reason why. The inside is suitably impressive, of course, but it has to take a back seat to this unusual architectural approach.
If you are going, buy a ticket ahead of time. We had some friends give us tickets at the last minute, which we still appreciate. The place is mobbed, inside and out, but certainly worth a look even from the outside only.
A video is definitely needed here.
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