Never before have I ever seen something so breathtakingly beautiful as La Sagrada Familia. With its one of a kind architecture and meaningful designs, it is truly a masterpiece. There is no way that I could explain every detail of what I learned today the way that my tour guide did, but I have to at least try. Gaudi’s work of art began construction in the late 1880s, but is not expected for completion until 2026. Dedicating his life to this piece, Gaudi unfortunately died before it was completed after being hit by the local metro. Being so obsessed with this project, he was rarely seen in public and was described as dressing like a tramp. So when Gaudi was hit by the metro he wasn’t recognized, and those around him and at the hospital just thought he was a homeless man. His work of art is still being created in the image that he wanted it. Being able to take a tour and see La Sagrada Familia taught me about Gaudi’s attention to detail and how every object within the church had a purpose. The three entry ways to the building are through doorways telling the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Where the sun rises is the doorway of Jesus’ life, and where the sun sets is the doorway for Jesus’ death. While the doorway for his resurrection has yet to be completed, I had the opportunity to view the two other entrances. Over the doorway for Jesus’ life was sculptures of him being born in a manger. Surrounding him, Gaudi even thought to include farm animals, Mary and Joseph, and the star of Bethlehem. Other details from this entrance were pillars designed as palm trees which sat on a turtle and a tortoise- the turtle on the side closer to Barcelona’s ocean and the tortoise on the side closer to Barcelona’s mountains. On the other side of the building was the entrance resembling Jesus’ death. Multiple sculptures showed images of Pontius Pilate, Jesus carrying the cross, and Jesus being crucified. Though Gaudi placed the cross horizontally instead of vertically, he did this so that viewers can have a better feeling and understanding of the crucifixion. The entire outside of La Sagrada Familia was absolutely mind blowing. The amount of consideration put into every piece placed on the walls of the building cannot be compared to any other work of art. The same mind blowing reaction can be applied to the inside of the building. My only reaction upon entering the inside and seeing everything was “wow!” Our tour guide had us all look down at our feet as we entered in order to get an even more impacted reaction. As we walked, heads down, we reached the middle and he had us stop, close our eyes, lift our heads to the ceiling, count to three, and look up. The feeling I got and amazement I had is nothing like I’ve ever experienced before. I truly think that I’ve never seen anything more beautiful or amazing than La Sagrada Familia. I can’t wait to come back in 2026 once the project is finally complete. Adios!