Plaça Sagrada Família,
Sagrada Familia

Barcelona’s most famous symbol, and most infamous building site. A breathtaking project to realise the architectural dreams of one man; Antoni Gaudì, the city’s most exalted son. Visitors can explore the building, its towers, and the museum housed in the crypt below.

Sling off your high heels and brace yourself for a journey that steers you up and up, almost half way to heaven. Each Sagrada tower is an adventurous undertaking, and is not for the feint hearted (especially during the summer). The narrow winding staircase has no central axis to hold onto -- and there's only really space for one person at a time -- so you can peer both up and downwards to see a never-ending spiral that turns and turns.

Dizzy spells may be a common occurrence, though fortunately there are handy small windows on the way, which provide an opportunity to gasp at the magnificent views, and refresh from any altitude sickness. Specklings of mosaic, doves, and other 'unearthly' artistic decorations highlight the adventure, flowing across the bridging walkways that link the towers. Here relief and wonder can be experienced at cloud-like heights, on top of the ever-growing monument.

contributors: Debbie Stubbs (& Nigel Hayler- Place Details)