In 2011 we visited Spain for the first time, spending a few days in Madrid and a few days in Barcelona.  During our stay in Barcelona we toured the city’s (and all of Spain’s) most popular site, the Sagrada Familia cathedral, which was designed by modernist architect Antoni Gaudi.  He considered all details in his designs, including the stained glass, carpentry and ironworks. He spent the last years of his life living and working in the Sagrada Familia.  The church is stupendous from the outside but what blew me away the most was the interior, with its tree-like columns reaching upwards and fanning out over the ceiling.  I always think of the Lord of the Rings when I see the inside of this cathedral.  As you can see from the pictures below, the construction of the church is ongoing and is funded 100% by private donations.  They hope to have it completed in another 10 to 15 years.  Below are some of my favorite pictures – I don’t even think they need captions to enjoy.

Such an incredible structure.