Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Barcelona, Spain
70F, sunny!
Stained glass window, La Sagrada Familia
The Holy Family
This is our 5th visit to
Barcelona, a city that sparkles! Every other time we stayed a few days, but we
had to make the best of our stop this time before the ship left. We were off
the ship at 9 a.m., and by 9:30 we arrived at La Sagrada Familia, my favorite
church of all time, by taxi.
Pro tip: Be
sure you purchase your timed tickets online before you leave home. The lines
are unbelievable, with an average of 14,000 visitors a day. By the way, the
Louvre averages 30,000 visitors a day.
Barcelona is a major cultural and
economic center in Spain with a city population of approximately 1.73 million
people and a wider metropolitan population exceeding 4.8 million. It is located
on the northeastern coast of Spain, serving as the capital of Catalonia. Both
Spanish and Catalan are official and widely spoken.
Barcelona also acts as a leading global
hub for commerce, tourism, fashion, and tech innovation in Southern Europe and
operates as one of the most significant commercial and passenger ports along
the Mediterranean Sea.
La Sagrada Familia is
one of Barcelona’s world renowned landmarks and I will always visit while here!
We are very tired because we did not
return to the ship until 5 p.m., with 14,000 steps so far, TK has 16,000. I hope I can finish the blog tonight – there will
be a lot of photos.
The Basics: It
is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world and was consecrated as a
basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. The church is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, recognized for its Nativity façade and crypt. The first stone was laid in
1882, and in 1883 Antoni Gaudi was appointed as architect. To me, he was an artist, an inventor, an
engineer, as well as an architect who loved nature and had keen powers of
observation. His vision, still being
carried on to this day, was phenomenal.
1926: Gaudi was killed in a tram
accident.
1930: the Nativity façade was completed
Civil Wars—Lack of funds
1954-2018: Passion façade was completed
2021-2026: The completion of the
Central Towers (dedicated to Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary, the 4 Apostles.)
2026: The tower of Jesus Christ was
completed—565 feet high. The tallest church tower in the world
A photo journey:
On the exterior there are three facades--The Nativity, the Passion, the Glory, and 14 Towers (total of 18 planned). It is difficult to get photos of each facade because of the height, the amount of people, and my skill.
Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus
Nativity Facade
Holy Family, center
Three Kings, Nativity Facade
B ronze ivy covers two of the entry doors. Tucked around
the ivy are nature's creatures--here a snail
Altar--the Crucifix
The Crucifix-closeup
Part of the staircase-spiraled
like a Nautilus
Ceiling image
Stained Glass--cool colors
Stained glass-warm colors
Four columns near the Crucifix represent the
Four Evangelists-this is Mark
Luke
John
Matthew
Exterior again--the Passion Facade
Judas' betrayal
Herod's Judgment
Crucifixion
Preparing for entombment
The figures on the Passion Facade are
more angular to convey the suffering
and death of Christ--stark and severe
The Nativity Facade is more
organic and celebatory
Depiction of the Tower of Jesus Christ
Depiction of the Tower of the
Virgin Mary
A rendition of the total look when
La Sagrada Familia is finished
Both the tower of Jesus Christ and Mary (right)
The new Tower of Jesus Christ-2026
Best segue yet--La Sagrada Familia in chocolate
Chocolate shop right across the street!
I wonder if Tony of Romolos could
finesse such a structure!
After three hours of quality time in the most beautiful church and an exquisite gift shop, we walked around the area and caught a taxi to La Rambla, a very well known boulevard. It was not as fun today because apparently the city is widening the street and replacing water and other infrastructure.
I don't know if you can see the fencing and other parts and pieces
of what they are doing
Looks like some serious work!
Before we ambled too far, we needed to eat and have something to drink--by now it was 1:30 p.m., and we hadn't eaten or hydrated. Not good for old folks like us. We actually stopped twice along La Rambla, once for Coke Zero and a croissant, then TK's fave, Dunkin for a donut and coffee. Nothing like eating healthy.
Mercat St. Josep--a favorite market to visit
Sausages and such
Fruits and juices
Empanadas
Olives!
Pork in various stages
Seafood
Nuts and more nuts
How about a fresh pasta market in Erie!
We took a taxi back to the ship. After walking along the boardwalk after La Rambla,
we just didn't have the gumption. Oscar, the taxi driver insisted on taking our photo!
A native Barcelonian, he said his father was a taxi driver before him!
We just made it back in time to go to dinner, which was one of the best yet-Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes. [Note: our private table is scheduled for 5 p.m. If we are not there on time, others are invited to dine in our place.]
By the way, after tomorrow's sea day we visit four ports in a row. We better toughen up. No slacking!
And one more thing--I found a whole bunch of information on the Internet about the Barbarella Discotheque in Mallorca--will blog tomorrow about that!
TK's Takes: He told me before about his U.S. Navy stop in Barcelona in the late 60s early 70s where he went to a club with other sailors and met up with some American girls and they all went to a party. Now he remembers he went to a bullfight in Barcelona too. Barcelona-- So many people. He bought more straps for his suitcase, a story he said was to be continued...
Guess what dish this is!
OXTAIL SOUP
Why did I never think of putting pie pastry
on top of my soups and baking it??
Donna was close--she has an edge as a veteran cruiser! Thank you, Julie and Ann for giving it a try!
