According to the guide, about 140 people work on cathedral construction on a regular basis. The cathedral is expected to be completed in about 25-30 years.
The extravagant detail on the cathedral's facades is one of its most impressive aspects. This portion represents the Last Supper.
In this "magic square", all rows, columns and diagonals (as well as the four corners) sum to 33, Jesus' age at death.
The columns in the interior of the cathedral have a more organic look than in most cathedrals.
This detail from the Nativity facade shows Mary and Joseph fleeing to Egypt with baby Jesus.
Gaudi built at least one example of each of the temple elements before he died. You can see the contrast between the older structures on the right and the newer ones on the left. The only difference is supposed to be age.
I took the elevator up to the top of one of the cathedral towers. Here I am with Barcelona in the background. I really have to remember to smile rather than concentrate on taking the picture.
This view was on the stairway back down. The graffiti was appalling.
In many ways, the walk back down from the top of the tower was the best part of the visit, because it allowed me to see the amazing detail up close.
I found the towers topped with fruit to be very interesting.
It's a long way down!
Here I am in front of the cathedral. At least I'm not grimacing.
