Change In Plans

This very short post is about visiting the Temple of the Sagrada Familia, the most recognizable building in Barcelona.

In one, not-very-poetic word: WOW!

Prior to Barcelona, I think I had gotten a little inured to the beauty and accomplishment (not to mention the spirituality) of big European cathedrals. Notre Dame, the Duomo in Orvieto, and even the Vatican are all spectacular and important, but also somehow similar and a little sterile.Terrible to say, but maybe not an uncommon sentiment.

Sagrada Familia is completely different. Three differentiators spring to mind:

First, because it is unfinished -a work in progress- it feels very much alive. The interior is filled with scaffolding, and arc welders, and power tools. Man’s daily work in praising God.

Second, the design is like nothing else I have ever seen: so many shapes inspired by nature (honeycombs, leaves, fruit), words on the walls and towers (”Sanctus”), accessible sculpture, whimsy. No other cathedral seems so natural and so approachable. The “Gaudi workshop” and the museum in the crypt do a great job of explaining it all.

Third, the stamp of an individual, Gaudi, is everywhere. He was a special architect, and some courageous group entrusted this project to his vision.

Overall, a truly amazing place: very inspiring, even to the kids. Maybe this experience is better off without the intellectualizing. Maybe it is the hand of God.

Barcelona has been wonderful. More words and pictures later.