
Animals
There were lots of mosaic animals.
The line was too long to see the inside of the building. It was getting dark!
Just when we thought we were there...stairs.
barcelona gaudi park güell spain staircase stairs tour uphill walk
We decided to make the day all Gaudi so we hopped off the bus at Park Güell. The stop was a few blocks away from the actual park.
Jesus sitting up there represents the ascension. The towers on this side are also dedicated to Apostles: James, Thomas, Philip, and Bartholomew.
ascension barcelona facade gaudi jesus passion sagrada familia spain
This facade is carved with harsh straight lines to resemble the bones of a skeleton. Construction began in 1954 and towers were completed in 1976, and in 1987. The harsh, rigid, shadows and forms are intended to show the severity and brutality of Christ's sacrifice.
barcelona cathedral facade gaudi passion sagrada familia spain
Above the Coronation of the Virgin is a Cypress Tree with doves, symbolizing purity.
cypress doves facade gaudi nativity sagrada familia tree virgin coronation
The Nativity facade was built between 1894 and 1930 and was the first façade to be completed. The four towers are each dedicated to a Saint: Matthias the Apostle, Saint Barnabas, Jude the Apostle, and Simon the Zealot.
barcelona cathedral facade gaudi nativity sagrada familia spain tower
You can see the Star of Bethlehem above them and birds to the sides and below.
barcelona cathedral facade gaudi nativity sagrada familia spain virgin coronation
The Nativity Facade had scenes from Jesus' birth. It also had a lot of animals to symbolize life. This scene represents the slaughter of the innocents.
barcelona cathedral facade gaudi innocents navtivity sagrada familia slaughter spain
A lot of Gaudi's work was inspired by nature, the Holy Water was literally held by a huge shell. It was to the left of the "Our Father's" prayer door.
barcelona cathedral church gaudi holy water sagrada familia shell spain