Today dawned wet & gray, & the weather forecast for the week is not looking great...
We rode the metro to the Sagrada Familia this morning - Barcelona's amazing landmark church that is still under construction, well over 100 years since it was begun.
We skipped the long lines standing in the rain & entered the group entrance as we began our audio-guided tour. The church is not only an amazing overall shape but the details in the sculptures, both those erected 100 years ago & the very recent additions, are unique.
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| Viewing the Nativity Facade of the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) church |
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| Inside the amazing Sagrada Familia, & the vaulted roof |
From the Sagrada Familia we traveled south into the Old Town to visit the city's cathedral, an entirely different building dating from the 14th century & built in the typically late-gothic style.
Afterwards, following a short walk through the Old Town, there was free time for lunch & for more exploring during the afternoon. Some of the group went to the Picasso Museum, other strolled along Las Ramblas, & some shopped.
Finally we rendezvoused for dinner. This evening our dinner was authentic tapas, taken not sitting down like many tourists do but standing in a tapas bar, helping ourselves to the food from the counter or directly from the waitress as she passed through the crowd holding a tray of fresh delicacies aloft! This is the real way to experience tapas & everyone enjoyed themselves.
Later we strolled along Las Ramblas as we headed back to our hotel.
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| The very different gothic Barcelona Cathedral that we visited next. |
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| Gathering outside the cathedral (spot our travelers) |
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| Group photo in the Barri Gottic (Medieval Quarter), in front of a memorial to the French occupation by Napoleon |
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| Strolling the backstreets & alleyways of the Barri Gottic |
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| Ready for the rain, outside our hotel |
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| Enjoying authentic tapas |
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