Travel Diary: La Sagrada Familia, Barri Gòtic And More

I’m back! I wasn’t able to update my blog for a few days. For this, I apologize. But really, I just wanted you to miss me a little and for me to miss my blog as well. I believe one has to go on this little breaks, you know? Else, it can get pretty tiring and it’ll start feeling like a job you HAVE to do and not something you WANT to do. Don’t get me wrong. I wasn’t slacking off. My trip to Hong Kong last weekend was partly for work. But still, it was a refreshing break from my laptop. Now, I’m feeling inspired and ready to go!

To start the week right, here’s the travel post I promised about the small Barcelona tour Sandy and I joined in. The tour included stops at Parc de Montjuïc (located on top of a hill where you can see the rest of Barcelona), MNAC (which you’ve seen a lot of in my previous Pronovias posts), Gothic Quarter or Barri Gòtic and La Sagrada Familia. There are more sights to visit around the city but because we had limited time, these were good enough. I just showed the rest to Sandy whenever we drove passed them.

Let’s begin with the brightest star of them all, shall we? Gaudí’s La Sagrada Familia. Oh gosh, where to begin? I took so many photos that I even considered making a blog post solely about this famous church. Everything here has a story behind it–every single detail. I wish I can explain all of them to you but it’ll take us forever. Besides, let’s face it, my friend Google is so much better with that. Instead, I’ll just tell you the little tidbits I found interesting.

La Sagrada Familia is really like no other. There are 3 grand façades that make up the church’s exterior, namely the Nativity façade, the Passion façade and the Glory façade (still to be completed). Majority of what you see here is the Nativity façade, depicting scenes of the birth of Christ and His early life.

Obviously with such an intricate design, a project like this takes years to be completed. La Sagrada Familia started construction in 1882 and is expected to be completed in 2026 or 2028. Gaudí knew he wouldn’t live to see this happen which is why he made really detailed plans so that other architects can still continue the project without him.

So much has changed since I first visited La Sagrada Familia. Yes the cranes and construction equipment are still there because of the work being done on the Glory façade but it already looks so much better! It is said that once completed, the towers will be even taller!

As you can see, both the exterior and interior of the church were heavily influenced by nature, as with all of Gaudí’s work. From the pillars to the ceiling and even the stairs, they all seem to resemble trees and branches.

The four evangelists Mark, Matthew, Luke and John, each has a symbol on the column capitals. This one is John’s.

Gaudi made sure plenty of natural light come into the church and this is one of my favorite things about La Sagrada Familia. Most churches in Europe are always so dim and dark.

Look up and this is what you’ll see. It’s like a forest!

When you exit to the Passion façade, you’ll see this door full of engraved words in various languages taken from the Bible.

The Passion façade, compared to the Nativity façade is much simpler, with cleaner lines and details. It depicts Jesus’ suffering–“His pain, sacrifice and death, as staged along the twelve stations of the cross, expressed in highly dramatic and emotionally intense sculpture groups.”

I can’t believe in the many times I visited Barcelona, I never toured inside La Sagrada Familia. I highly recommend taking time out to visit this place. It’s not enough to just stare at it from the outside. You have to know all the little stories about it. A trip to Barcelona without a La Sagrada Familia tour is a huge waste of opportunity. HUGE.

Our next stop was the Barri Gòtic or Gothic Quarters. Although I’ve been here before, there’s so much to see and history to tell that I really didn’t mind going around the area again. Most of what you’ll see here are from the Medieval times so you can say it’s Barcelona’s version of their old town.

One of the streets near the Cathedral, Carrer del Bisbe Irurita. Here’s you’ll find an old overpass in typical Gothic design. 

This is Casa de la Ciutat or the City Hall at Plaça de Sant Jaume, one of the bigger squares around the area. This was constructed during the 14th century.

We came across this group of protesters outside the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya or presidential palace, located across the city hall. I thought I was in for an even more exciting afternoon! I wish I knew what they were protesting about.

Although La Sagrada Familia is arguably Spain’s most famous church, it isn’t the city’s cathedral. This is THE Cathedral (La Seu) located at Plaça de la Seu. It boasts of fine Gothic architecture and is dedicated to Santa Eulàlia, the patron saint of Barcelona. It’s beautiful in a different way as compared to La Sagrada Familia. The inside of the church is worth taking a look at as well.


This is an underground synagogue inside the Jewish Quarter called the Major Synagogue. Our guide told us during the Medieval times, there was a rule that no synagogue can be bigger than the smallest church in town, hence its design.

This is Santa Maria del Pi, a basilica located at Plaça del Pi.

I was really fascinated by the gargoyles around this church. Spot the unicorn!

Barri Gòtic is pretty close to La Rambla and Plaça Catalunya. Do you remember this place? I took outfit shots here before!

Although the tour centered around Barri Gòtic and La Sagrada Familia, we passed by some of the other tourist spots as well like Gaudi’s La Pedrera. I recommend you visit this as well if you have time, especially its rooftop!

Another visit to MNAC won’t hurt, especially if it looks like this. Did you know this museum was built especially for the Olympics?

Barcelona, I love you.

82 Responses to “Travel Diary: La Sagrada Familia, Barri Gòtic And More”
  1. Arbie Que

    Hi Camille! Can you suggest good restaurants in Barcelona? Or any good food to eat there? Thank You! :)

    Reply
  2. miah

    i’m so jealous that you were to go to a synagogue , i’m a Filipino Jew and a fan of you hehe i hope someday i can go there too, but maybe after i pass my board exam for Nursing this year :) much love Ate Camille.:)

    Reply
  3. Chantel :)

    Im so amazed by the beauty of Barcelona,can’t imagine in real life.
    The church was absolutely spectacular. Gaudi’s masterpiece is beautiful, now I know why they called him as God, so lovely. hope i can go there soon enough. :)

    Reply
  4. Mechelle Eguia

    Stunning photos! It would be so great if you’d also include what camera you are using in your posts. Just a suggestion. ;)

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Oh most of the photos here were taken using my Sony NEX 5TY :)

      Reply
  5. Shaira Manalo

    This post made me appreciate and love Barcelona so much. Gusto ko din makapunta diyan one day. Maybe not now, but after I finish my studies. It is so beautiful and breath taking! Definitely a must place to visit! Thanks for sharing the pictures of your trip! I fell in love again.

    xoxo,
    SHAIRA
    http://www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com

    Reply
  6. kyla banana

    hi ate camille!! your pictures are gorg. what camera do you use?

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Thanks Kyla! Usually a Canon 5D Mark iii but here I used my Sony Nex 5ty :)

      Reply
  7. maebs

    this is such an amazing place. I love all of your photos :) kahit maliit na detail ay important. :)

    Reply
  8. Sarah Sabaria

    After reading this post and seeing all the pictures, I felt the NEED to see the place. :) Ahaha! Awesome! :D

    Reply
  9. Therese

    About the protesters… It says on their banner: “We want schools, hospitals, and houses, and you give us high-speed rails (AVE).”

    Reply
  10. Shan Salvador

    I was amazed by the beauty of Barcelona! Nice photos Miss Cams! (:

    Reply
  11. Naomi Pam

    Wow what a beautiful place! I also dream of travelling in Barcelona and I will! Love, love, love your photos ate Camille! <3

    Reply
  12. Lourine

    Every. Single. Detail. Is. Fascinating. Grabe! The La Sagrada Familia, 2028 pa? I wonder how much better it will look like after it is finished. Modern, minimalist and sleek architecture are good but there is something about these gothic and ancient architecture that will always amaze the people. Classic it it. I guess there is no explanation needed why.

    Kahit hindi ko pa nakikita ang Barcelona in person, can I say, I love Barcelona too? :)

    Btw, aliw with the Kryz Uy’s favorite pose you got there. Hehe. Cute!

    Reply
  13. Alba

    Sorry Camille,I wrote the wrong name I was asking something to Tricia (blogger as well) :((

    Reply
  14. Alba

    Hi Tricia! I´m from Barcelona and those protestants were against spending public funds on the AVE (“super fast” trains here in Spain) rather than on hospitals, schools etc.

    Hope it was helpul. Best wishes :D

    Reply
  15. Ericka Garcia

    Barcelona is so damn beautiful! Truly an eye candy! :D

    Love,
    Ericka Garcia

    Reply
  16. Reena

    2026 or 2028??? waaahhh… I’ll be 40/42 by that time! Sana may husband na ako at mga anak when I reach that age. hehehe…Grabe ang project ni Gaudi, even until death his legacy lives on…

    I heard na if you visit a certain church for the first time, you pray for your special intentions at matutupad daw yung prayers mo. I’m not sure kung totoo yun, but for a Catholic like me, visiting a church as grand as Sagrada Familia will give me such a special feeling na parang you’re in a holy place that will leave you speechless.

    Thank you for these beautiful pictures! :)

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Sana naman we’re all happily married with cute kids :) I didn’t know that saying/belief!

      Reply
  17. Mae

    I would love to travel to Barcelona someday. Thanks Camille for sharing your experiences with us!

    Reply
  18. Kaye Alid

    Ohmygggggggg.ajehjsjsnsn Can’t believe Barcelona is a very VERY nice place pala. Definitely, a must go-to place. 100+++ thumbs up!! Love the content!! Made me learn something new about that place. Thank you for showing us that pictures!! Wow love the designs!!! Soon,Barcelona!! SOON!

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      It is! I know so many people who love Barcelona :) You will too!

      Reply
  19. Ica

    Hi Camille, I just wanna know what camera and lens are you using? Your photos are great-looking. Hope you can visit Bacolod soon. MassKara, perhaps?

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Maybe next time! :) I’m using a Canon 5D Mark III and Sony Nex 5TY. For these photos, I used my Sony :)

      Reply
  20. GalaGala

    Wow, salamat dito :0 Luv ko history blogs :) Wish ko lang may captions yung ibang mga pix.. anyways, i enjoyed reading about this famous churches :)

    Reply
  21. Angelic Robles

    This was well worth the wait, Miss Camille! And yes, I did miss you!

    Golly, where to start! Each photo is more beautiful than the last! I am still very much fascinated by the details of La Sagrada Familia. Each of the three facades you presented are in very heartwarming detail. I can’t believe it will still take years and years for it to be completed!

    Each structure you showed here has a tributing factor to natural light. I find this detail to have it’s unique stamp here in Barcelona. The elements are majestically built, yet somehow toned down to earth by the effect of natural light. The artists succeeded in making sure that both simplicity AND details of their work would be remembered and admired. Just viewing these pictures are a joy!

    Santa Maria del Pi has a HUGE interior! It looks and feels so solemn. The candlelight off the stone pillars and the wood of the pews really puts you in a reflective state of mind. As for the small synagogue, thank you for giving us this peek into the old heritage of Spain. I love the colors of that underground place. So rich and strong!

    Your photos at MNAC gave me some new angles. I viewed the place with fresh eyes. In the third to the last photo, does that hedge opening in the greenery lead to a garden maze? Because, WOW! It is so Anastasia!

    P.S. I found the unicorn!

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      That third to the last photo was actually taken at Montjuic! :) It’s near MNAC :) I’m sure you’ll have a great time in Barcelona! I have so many more photos that I wanted to share but I had to edit them to keep the post short. I’m glad you enjoyed looking at the ones I posted! :)

      Reply
  22. Arianna

    They really pay attention to details!! Everything looks wonderful! I am in love with their architectures <3

    About the protest hm I'm not yet that good in Spanish but idk haha i think they want to be given high velocity trains? HAHA i'm not sure :))) I need to study more haha!

    Someday I will go to Barcelona!! #bucketlist :)

    I missed you Ate Cams!! ;) <3 :D

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      LOL you need to study more nga! :) Thanks Arianna! I missed everyone too!

      Reply
  23. Joy Dianne Gumatay

    Such an amazing place. Love the church photos. *u*

    Reply
  24. Ren

    Isn’t it amazing that Gaudí, have really big plans for this project and reaching for that long years constructing La Sagrada? So much passion!! He gave every detail importance with his creations. I’ve really missed you a lot and commenting here in your blog. Classes started and I got busier schedules, so I am inserting a little bit of my time reading in your blog and how you’ve been doing lately and hoping you’ll always remember me too. Hehe, I saw on Lissa’s post before that you’ll be in The Outlets at Pueblo Verde. I hope I could come if given permission and finally see you! ;)

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Thank you Ren! I’m touched you still find time to visit my blog and leave sweet comments even if school has already started :) Did you get to go? Did I get to meet you?

      Reply
  25. Katrin Tuano

    Oh la la Barcelona. La Sagrada Barcelona is super cool. You can really distinguish the difference like there’s the old and modern side of the facades. Truly magnificent! And can you compare Gothic Quarters to Vigan here in the Philippines, like the old city something like that hahaha Ahh, Barcelona sure is breathtaking. Can’t wait to tour around that city too. :)

    PS: I didn’t spot any unicorn :(

    PS one more time: Yeps, we truly did miss you :(

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Thanks Katrin! I haven’t been to Vigan though. But it is on my list of places to go to! Maybe soon! :)

      Reply
  26. Nelayish

    I can imagine you saying, Yo Te Amo Barcelona! This is the exact church in Meteor Garden 2, where Shan Cai and Dao Ming Si debated about how it looks. I don’t know if you are watching Meteor Garden, but this is the exact church. By the way, thanks for the photos in Barcelona! parang kasama lang kitang pumunta diyan :)

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      I watched it way way back! When I was still in school–in Chinese pa! :)

      Reply
  27. 7eaness

    beautiful shots ms. camille! btw, what’s your choice of weapon here? c:

    Reply
  28. Ed

    The sign say, “We want schools, hospitals and homes/houses; instead they give us speed trains.”

    Reply
  29. Trisha

    Aaaaah! Barcelona is breathtaking even from these photos! I can’t imagine how much more amazing it could be to see it in person. You are so lucky! :)

    Btw, at what exact date will you (and the other bloggers) be at the bazaar in Cebu? I’m so excited to see you! :D

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      So sorry I only saw this now! We were there last Saturday :)

      Reply
  30. judy

    This church was absolutely spectacular. Gaudi’s masterpiece is one of a kind, now I know why they called him as “God’s Architect” and known as one of the best Architect in the world. But how do you remembered every single details of the history of Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia? You’re not just a great fashion designer but also a good historian and that is why I really admire you.

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Thanks Judy! :) Some I remember and some I research again :)

      Reply
  31. Anne

    Okay I think I’d need to save up for a month’s worth of Barcelona! Gaudi is a genius! Now I have this incurable urge to go to Spain and see all his masterpieces. Old city charm excites me as well as art and history. Maybe I’m nerdy but nah I don’t care. Haha. This travel diary is by far my favorite Cams! You take really good photos. I am in complete awe. My jaw just dropped there. Oops! Oh and by the way see you this weekend! ;)

    https://annescribblesanddoodles.blogspot.com/

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Next time I go to Spain, I’ll explore other cities. So if you are going there for a month, better explore other cities as well! Ang dami! :)

      Reply
  32. Dawn

    I was just whining earlier this evening because i was wondering why there is no email saying you’ve got a new post. I thought something’s wrong with my internet connection, but I’ve really visited your blog for confirmation and true enough the last post was June 4, 2014. I was wondering what’s keeping you so busy, hmmm maybe Camille’s still out of the country, but there you are again! Oh I really miss you, thank you for this exclusive tour through the very stylish guide ever. Hehehe love it!!!

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Yes! So sorry for my absence. I’m trying my best to get back into the groove again :) Just a little bit busy :) But nevertheless, I’m happy that I was missed :)

      Reply
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