Don’t Forget to Look Up! The Beauty inside La Sagrada Familia
Some of the most talked about monuments around the world have the most beautiful ceilings and if you forget to look up, you are really missing out.
La Sagrada Familia is one of those places, that while awe-inspiring on the outside, the inside is even more breathtaking. The first time I went to Barcelona, my mom and I decided that “we didn’t need to go inside” because the main photographs we had seen had all been taken of the outside of the famous building. Man, we were wrong. On this most recent trip I forked over the 13 euros and walked myself inside. Instead of paying for the guided tour, I just walked around with my mouth wide open and head straining up. Warning: your neck will hurt after a long visit! Between the stained glass that shines and sparkles when the sun shines through to the sea creature- like holes and caverns, the ceiling is mesmerizing. Next time you are in Barcelona make sure to walk inside the famous La Sagrada Familia. And on your next trip to a famous building- LOOK UP!
Even everyone outside was looking up!
This is part of Budget Travelers Sandbox, Thursday Travel Photo. Check out the other bloggers photos too!
Thanks for these; didn’t make it inside when I visited.
I am always amazed when I look up, especially in Europe. Gorgeous shots!
When I was in Barcelona, I had a friend back home who kept badgering me to go to Sagrada Familia…relentlessly! I finally broke my rule of not paying to get into houses of worship and I was blown away by the beauty inside, as well as outside. When I walked the Camino de Santiago, I came across one of Gaudi’s buildings in Astorga and was impressed then. After seeing the rest of his work in Barcelona and learning more about him…yeah, he blew my mind with his talent and creativity.
When I was in Barcelona I visited but didn’t go inside. Looking at these pics I now realize that was a big mistake!
I made the same mistake the first time- always a reason to head back to Barcelona!
I’ve been to the Sagrada Familia inside 20 years ago and forgot the splendour of the interior. Thanks for reminding me with these photos. I would have loved going inside on my most recent visit, but the queue was just too long.
WOW! That stained glass is incredible. Thanks for sharing this!
I looooved the stained glass windows – there was so much construction when I was there that I couldn’t do anything else BUT look up! I’ve sort of set myself a goal that whenever the cathedral is finally finished, I will book a ticket to Barcelona and enjoy it entirely
I’d forgotten how beautiful the ceiling was.
Beautiful photos. I am really looking forward to spending some time in Barcelona. I went there on one of my big trips in Europe years ago but didn’t connect with the city too much. And I didn’t go inside this cathedral–definitely something I need to do!
Beautiful photos! Barcelona is a city that I would like to visit soon and I will definitely remember to go inside La Sagrada Familia. The ceilings in so many European churches are just stunning – I’m constantly reminding my kids to look up as we are walking around so they don’t miss the intricate details.
I love the stained glass window. The perspective is fantastic.
Spectacular ceilings at La Sagrada Familia! I do look up when I’m in old buildings, especially cathedrals because the ceilings really can surprise you. Great shots.
That ceiling looks very different from other ceilings I have seen in cathedrals. I’m not sure if I’m a big fan, but it sure is interesting. I think I’ve seen pics from outside of La Sagrada Familia and preferred the outside.
Holy smokes! That is amazing! You are definitely making me want to side trip to Barcelona when we are in Europe this fall. Every time I am in a church (or any building for that matter) I have to remind myself to look up. There is always so much more to see than eye level leads us to believe. Thanks so much for adding a little more to my night of arm chair traveling!
Gorgeous pictures! I’ve always wanted to go here and now seeing the inside and its details – I need to get there sooner rather than later. The European churches are always worth the neck strain to look up and admire all the details.
Ooh, ooh, ooh! Had hoped to get to Barcelona (and other parts of Spain) on my last trip to Europe, but ended up on the far side of the Continent instead.
I agree definitely worth going up inside and love your advice to “look up”
The lineups were so long that I missed exploring the inside – such a shame when I see your photos and how beautiful it is.
Wow, La Sagrada Familia looks awesome! I was last there in 2007 and they have do SO MUCH WORK on the inside since I have been there. It looks nearly complete now. When I was there, there were entire sections of the inside that didn’t look like a church at all. I know there is still a ways to go but loved seeing your photos so I could see the progress that they’ve made!