Terrifying and beautiful

My second main regret while studying abroad was not being able to travel to Barcelona and gaze upon the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia as well as Antoni Gaudi's other works about the city.

Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is not finished. Gaudi built the church in 1882, but did not finish before his depressing death in 1926. From wikipedia: On 7 June 1926 Gaudí was hit by a tram. Because of his ragged attire and empty pockets, many cab drivers refused to pick him up for fear that he would be unable to pay the fare. He was eventually taken to a paupers' hospital in Barcelona. Nobody recognized the injured artist until his friends found him the next day. When they tried to move him into a nicer hospital, Gaudí refused, reportedly saying "I belong here among the poor." He died three days later on 10 June 1926, at age 73, with half of Barcelona mourning his death. He was buried in the midst of La Sagrada Família.

Ouch.

Passion facade

What amazes me the most about the Sagrada Familia is intricate, natural detailing, which inspire and terrify me. The incorporation of Art Nouveau style (one of my absolute favorite styles) doesn't hurt either.

the west side

On November 7 (my birthday!), the Pope is scheduled to consecrate the church.
The expected completion date is 2026, on the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death.

Thanks goes to Wikipedia and Gardner's Art through the Ages for providing information, images and inspiration.