The city of Barcelona normally conjures a number of images in the minds of most tourists. The Nou Camp, Las Ramblas but perhaps the most recognisible is a building site. On this building site arises one of the most complex and challenging architectural desings put forward in moderns times. The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia translated as The Expiatory Church of the Holy Family.

Designed by Antoni Gaudi in 1883 at the behest of the Roman Catholic Church. To this day it is still uncomplete, giving further weight to the arguement that the best works are often unfinished. Indeed Gaudi himself once remarked upon the slow progress that was being made '...my client is not in a hurry.' In 1926 Gaudi died and was buried in the midst of Sgrada Familia. Since then construction has continued to this day under the watchful eye of architects such as Isidre Puig Boada, Francesc Cardoner,Francesc Quintana and Lluis Bonet I Gari. At present Jordi Bonet I Armengol with the use of compter aided design continues the construction which has been a cause for disagreement. Some believe that this has in some way detracted from the intent and beauty of Gaudi's design. The CAD software allows the sculptures to be carved perfectly, whereas previously it had been hand carved. It is fair to say you can see the difference between the pieces.

The church will have three grand facades upon completion depicting the Nativity, the Passion and the Glory. The interior of the church takes the from of a latin cross. The whole church is decorated in the words from the liturgy such as Hosanna, Excelsis and Sanctis.

It will be consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI on November 7th this year and a deadline of 2026 for completion. Visitors can access the Nave, Crypt, Museum, Shop and also the Pssion and Nativity Towers. An entry fee of 10 Euros is payable. Adults can make the long journey to the top of the towers by lift, walk the remainder to the top and cross the bridge descending the opposite tower in the same manner for a further 2.50 euros. If you think this is a tad expensive, then consider that it is through this, the church is being funded so it is certainly a worthy cause.

Journeying to the site is easy enough, it has it's own metro station called Sagrada Familia, served by L2 and L5 lines. Although you may want to choose your time carefully, in 2004 2.26 million people visited, making it one of Spain's top tourist attractions. In short it's easy to get to, and one of those things to see. Oh and one other thing, make sure the memory card on your camera is empty, you'll need it.