Basilica of the Sagrada Familia

The story

Gaudí never saw his basilica finished, and the building work continues. Pieces for the core of the cross on the tower of Jesus Christ have been lifted 54 metres above the ground, where the cross's arms will join and stairs will one day open onto each of them. Inside, columns branch upward like trees into a stone forest, and coloured light from the stained glass washes across the nave. The route starts at a facade crowded with sculpted trees, fruits, birds, animals and angels, moves through the church and leaves by the Passion facade. Both the Nativity and Passion towers are open for climbing. Outside, the clock chimes on the quarter hour, and the surrounding streets are full of shops, restaurants and bars. It remains a working church, with masses celebrated here and some held in the crypt.