While it is a cathedral-size, La Sagrada Familia is not a cathedral - just a church. Gaudi's made a deliberately decision to make sure that none of the spires he designed would be taller in than the mountains around Barcelona because God as maker of the mountains designed the
Gaudi never expected to be able to see the completion of his architectural wonder since he was already an old man when the building began to take shape and that's why he left so many intricate, detailed notes and models for those who would complete his visionary plans. In his youth, Gaudi was a trendy, blonde, blued -eyed fellow. As he aged, he became more religious and focused inwardly on matters of the soul - so much so, he often ignored his appearance. Sadly, one evening, as an elderly man, dressed in rags, Gaudi was hit by a tram (trolley car). Passers-by, thinking that he was a homeless hobo, ignored "God's Architect" as he lay on the street. (Where were the Good Samaritans that night?) Gaudi was finally taken to a hospital a day later, where he died of his injuries. People all around were mortified and following a long funeral procession through the streets around Barcelona, they raised funds and Gaudi was buried in the central part of the crypt where he'd lived out his last days, as the creative, flamboyant, visionary architect he'd become. 
Outside, La Sagrada Familia looks grand with its many grand spires, elaborate sculptures and the beautiful eastern facade, built while Gaudi was alive, explains the birth, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the gospels of Matthew and Mark. Gaudi has sensitively captured the "enthusiasm and joy of a life found in trusting and obeying God" in these sculptures. The fine detail and size of these sculptures is impressive.
Another detail on the outside of the church is the theme of celebrating the splendour of God's creation of the seasons though huge models of the different fruits available in each season. The gigantic models are covered in brightly-coloured ceramic tiles which sparkle whenever the sunlight hits them and they are an ironic contrast to the bland stone colours of the spires and other sculptures. However, there are other quirky, unexpected objects of art which forms an intergalactic part of the decorations around the outside of the building. These include words like, " PEACE" and "GLORIA" - Again in iridescent tiles to draw attention to their message. There are also beautifully coloured, sculptures of trees with birds or blossoms decorating the tall framework structures that reach high into the sky. It was so breathtaking that we found that we need to 'uncrank our necks' from gazing up so high and for so long because the outside of the building is so " full of surprising decorations". Later, when we took a lift to up one of the towers we were able to look at the many outside sculptures and fruit decorations at close range and appreciate the great work that artisans are carrying out, following the instructions left by Gaudi.
Even the seven massively high, bronze entrance doors have their own designed-message created on them. One is a tribute to the variety of insects in God's creation. Another has all the names which the Bible attributes to Jesus Christ, for example: Saviour, Redeemer, Son of God, Lord of heaven and earth. The middle entrance door features the full Lord's Prayer in Catalan and the excerpt, "Give us O Lord, our daily bread", in 50 different languages.
Now if we were impressed with the unusual outside design of the La Sagrada church we were completely blown away by then inside. It is total different from any other building we've seen. Gaudi is recognised as one of the greatest designers of the 19th and 20th century and in this spectacular La Sagrada church, an awe-inspiring, jaw dropping experience was ours. We spent over 2 hours inside this modernist building which oozes the passion, love and creativity of its designer. There are only three religious statues within La Sagrada; Jesus on the cross - a modern terracotta colour, presiding over the altar, a circle of lights various areas both inside and outside with symbols for each of the apostles ( eg a fish for Peter) and Mary and Joseph either side of Jesus in separate wings. There were no paintings, icons or statues to saints as in every other church we've visited. Gaudi has taken the theme of the tree of life within the architecture of this beautiful building by creating a unique naïve roof, modelled after the benches of a tree. The columns rise as tree trunks high into the ceiling where they fan out as branches of trees. Gaudi's great 'forest' is based on a floorplan in the shape of a Latin cross and rises up in the branching columns with a double twist ranging from 15 metres tall in the choir area to 75 meters tall apse. This ingenious structural solution allows sunlight to flood in through the coloured glass widows and creates a brilliant kaleidoscope of light and colour that lights up the whole interior. The floor soft pink marble floor expandable throughout the whole floor area which is open and airy.
There are four open, individually designed stairwells in each corner of the building interior. Some
stairwells have spirals which fill with the coloured light from the windows and in whatever direction we looked, light flooded the whole building.
Even when we looked up there were new surprises to enjoy. Intricate delicate patterns on the ceiling too. We had an audio recording that explained features of the architecture, told of Gaudi's grand design and gave measurements of the height, length and area of the building. Sometimes we just sat and marvelled and gushed at the freedom and freshness of design, the awe inspiring effect on us as we gave thanks for Gaudi's inspiration, his appreciation of God as creator ,redeemer and friend and we prayed for safety, blessing and guidance for family members and friends back in Australia.
Wherever we look Gaudi's genius ideas were displayed - even the ceilings have intricate beautiful designs. We can only wonder at his gift as an architect, artist, designer who appreciated God's creation.
