Gaudí’s incredible architecture has a new illuminated feature visible from land and sea. The 12-pointed star that crowns Mary’s tower of the Sagrada Familia was lit up for the first time on the traditional date of the commemoration of Mary, on December 8th, along with her tower’s 800 windows. The 138 m (453′) tall tower that supports the five ton star is the first to built since the 1970s.
Whether or not we share the beliefs of the Catholic church, the design and visual splendor of the church by Antonio Gaudí in Barcelona are impressive. My favorite quote of the master architect when asked when the building would be finished, over 100 years ago, was, “My client is not in a hurry.”
If you would like to see the tower lit up for the first time, click on the next words; short video.
I got a chance to visit the Sagrada Familia church under construction in 1987. To see my photos, click on the word Barcelona. Amazing to see the progress in the past thirty years!
What is the most decoratively splendid building you have seen?
¡Olé! –Rebecca
P.S. On the Sagrada Familia website, they mention their Covid precautions. However, the phrase “amigo falso” (false friend) came to mind for the way they said it, check their note; sanity versus sanitary! I hope the sanity rules aren’t too strict. –RC
[“Covid-19: To ensure your health, Sagrada Familia is applying all health and sanity measures established by the Ministry of Health. Check here sanity rules for visitor.”]
Fake Flamenco 
Ah, I was so happy to see that star on top! We visited about 15 years ago. I hope we can one day see that amazing Gaudi church again. Thank you. Just a joke but I really did think Harrods all lit up and in the distance was the Palace! I was then disappointed by Buckingham Palace that night! ( Harrods is a department store in London)
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Thanks, Sandy. I would love to see Gaudi’s church when it is finished. Funny that Harrod’s outshone Buckingham Palace!
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Yes🤣🤣❤That was me as a young woman!
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As you see, the inhabitants of Barcelona are not so enamoured https://theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/29/huge-star-atop-sagrada-familia-rekindles-residents-complaints. I have mixed reactions to the church these days. It seems to have got divorced from the original concept, and the melee constantly round the cathedral is more reminiscent of a football crowd. If I lived near there, and were a Catholic, it wouldn’t be my place of worship. Though of course it’s always a fascinating place to see.
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Thanks for the Guardian article, Margaret. The more recent stairway idea sounds intrusive destroying residences. Hope the city decides against it.
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Me too!
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Beautiful! I watched a documentary several years ago about Antonio Gaudí and his masterpiece. I had no idea that it’s still under construction.
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Thanks, Rosaliene. In 1987 the plan was to finish by 1992 for the olympics. The new plan was for 2026, before Covid…
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Beautiful! I loved the video. The church is new to me.
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Great, Neal, glad you checked it out! Y’all would love Barcelona. Great food and sights.
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Rebecca, this new star is stunning! I didn’t even know it was in the works. And I love seeing the entire tower lit up. Thanks! James and I want to wish you a fabulous New Year! All the best, Terri
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Hola Terri
Thanks, it was a surprise for me too. A friend pointed out the article to me. Looks so beautiful! Happy new year!
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Awesome! Happy New Year Rebecca!
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Thanks, Cindy. Cool celebratory fireworks!
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I’ve visited the Sagrada Familia on two separate occasions, and 10 years apart from each other (2006 and 2016). COVID-19 and travel restrictions aside, I hope to make it back in 2026 to see that new tower addition to the famed landmark of Barcelona. Such a great masterpiece from a great genius as Gaudi himself!
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Thanks for your comments, Rebecca. What were the differences you saw in that time span- the roof perhaps? Yes, 2026 in Barcelona would br marvelous!
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Yes, the roof was the most-noticeable change I’ve seen from one visit to the next. We’ll have to see how it goes for a revisit in 2022!
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A revisit next year would be wonderful. I think I’ll wait until the next tower is finished, for Mary’s son.
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I’m waiting to go when it is finished!
At present, the cathedral that has truly blown me away is Aachen, Germany. To see the throne of the Holy Roman Emporer Charlemagne and his treasury of gold statues…..aaaahhhh……
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Thanks for the recommendation of Aachen, Germany, Kim. I will look it up!
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Washington National Cathedral and Duke University Chapel.
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Thanks, Janet. The National Cathedral is an amazing place. I’ll look up the Duke University Chapel. Several of my ancestors went to Duke.
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It is a truly splendid work of art. Thank you for sharing, Rebecca! I really enjoyed seeing your older photos too.
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Thank you, Susan. The structure gets more astonishing each year!
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Very nice! I was there in 2005, and of course, it wasn’t completed. This is nice to see!
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Thanks for your comments, Kathy. Cool that you got to see the church in 2005! I have a feeling the completed church will be one of the modern wonders of the world.
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Lovely!
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All the light is fantastic!
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