If there is only time to for 1 interest in Barcelona, then it would have to be Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia (or the Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family). Located right smacked in the city, this particular sight attracts visitors by the millions (2.2million visitors in 2004). While it boasts one of the architectural greats of the 20th century, one startling fact remains; it is still under construction after more than 120 years (scheduled for completion in the 2020s)! Anyway, I arrived with skepticism and wondered how could anyone pay €12/S$24 (including admission to Gaudi's residence in Park Güell) to visit a work site. I realised afterwards that the church does not receive any funding from the government; all expenses come from the sales of the admission tickets.

While the grand project was officially started in 1882, the in-famous Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926) took over as the chief architect in 1883 (which he did not abandoned until the freak accident resulting in his death in 1926). Fascinated by geometrical rules and symbology (the most evident example being the church where it depicts the life and crucifixion of Jesus), the structure itself is incredibly filled with details. He was so committed to the project that when funds ran out, he was actually actively canvassing for more funds. All these ended when he was ran over by a tram in 1926 - an unfitly way to die for such a great architect.

The church have 3 grand façades (or exterior of the building), namely Passion, Glory, Nativity. As the main entrance (Glory Façade) is still under construction, visitors would be able to buy admission tickets via the Passion Façade. Upon entering the compounds, one would be able to observe the sculptures depicting the crucifixion of Jesus. Though I am not a believer of the book, I do have to admit that the sight was pretty provoking (especially the depiction where a woman held a piece of cloth with an imprint of Jesus's bloodied face). There is also a museum (Museu Gaudi) in the basement displaying various exhibits related to the church. This would also lead to the Nativity Façade where one can climb up the high towers via a combination of narrow spiral stairs (it was not operational when I was there) and lifts (€2/S$4 per ride).