La Sagrada Família, Barcelona (must see)

Gaudí's major Gothic masterpiece is indeed awe-inspiring up close. This mammoth basilica seems to sprout from the ground and keeps rising and rising as far as the eye can see. Gaudí spent a large part of his career on this iconic monument, having dedicated over 43 years to its design. The construction works are still underway and are as much part of the attraction as the building itself.

From the outside, there is much to take in, but the interior is no less extraordinary with the eyes being drawn at once to the walls and the roof. Huge, bright, colorful and vibrant stained-glass windows line the walls, filling the church with natural light and an explosion of color. Supported by countless pillars with strong trunk bases that sprout into branches as they near the ceiling, the temple's roof really looks like a forest canopy.

Simply walking around alone and marveling may work in a regular church, but the Sagrada Família leaves you clueless as a rock if you decide to do the same here. This cathedral is another level and there is so much to know about it that you really shouldn't waste your time without a guide. Luckily, the audio devices they provide at the entrance offer plenty of information whilst allowing sufficient time to wander around. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour in the language of your choice directly at the basilica's website.

When planning a trip, pre-purchasing a ticket online is absolutely recommended and will let you skip the long line upon arrival.

Furthermore, don't forget to make time for the museum below offering a great deal of information, including audiovisual presentation, about the Sagrada Família project's past and future, as well as about Gaudí himself. You may also wish to visit the small school built by Antoni Gaudí for the construction workers' children right on the site.

Tip:
Note that children under 6 cannot go up the towers and a walk down the spiral steps can be a bit daunting for some. Should you decide to go for the climb, ask the staff where the “backside elevator” is, as there are usually fewer people there.

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am-8pm (Apr-Sep); 9am-7pm (Mar, Oct); 9am-6pm (Nov-Feb); 9am-2pm (Dec 25/26, Jan 1/6); last entry: 30 mins before closing time