Everyone knows the basics of the story of SF and its seemingly never-ending construction, so let me just go over it once again.  You’re welcome. The ground was broken on the site in 1882 and, at the time of writing in 2018, the cathedral is still strewn with cranes and scaffolding.

It’s estimated that the church towers will finally be finished around 2026, which will be the centenary of Gaudi’s death. Other decorative elements are not expected to be finished until after 2030.

‘However, knowing what my local builders are like, I think that’s possibly a tight timeline. Maybe Spanish contractors are different, I just don’t know.  I highly doubt it, though. We can only wonder *just* how many cups of tea the Archbishop has to make in a day to keep all those workers happy…’

Anyway, despite the fact that the cathedral isn’t even finished yet, it has already earned UNESCO World Heritage status. That’s a rather incredible feat, considering it might be crap when it’s done. I jest, course. It’s already jaw-dropping, so it can only more so in the future.

Rather incredibly, the church receives (and has received) no public funding. The investment comes entirely from a private donor and, these days, entry fees. Going to visit SF will not only blow your mind, but it will also help to complete the works. I first visited in 2006 and the difference from just over a decade into its near 135-year construction was marked.

Parc Guell

Situated on Carmel Hill above the city, Parc Guell offers a stunning view across the city. It’s a real mix of coloured Mediterranean tile and colourless rock passageways; very similar to the facades of SF. Guell is a public park and is a maze of beautiful land, walkways and viewpoints.

Given its location, it’s a fair climb up the side of a hill just to reach the entrance, and it’s no less steep once you enter.  It’s even more challenging when it’s 32 degrees, so take water and comfortable shoes.  Still, it’s very much worth the exhaustion to have a look inside.

‘Although the majority of the park is free to enter, there is a charge for the monument section.  If you like doing your hill walking before your first bocadillo of the day, the monuments are free to enter before 8am. I’m too lazy to get out of bed for anything before 8am. Even Gaudi…’

Tickets for the monument are priced at €6 each and are allocated in 30-minute slots. At the height of the season, it’s anxiety-inducingly busy (for me, anyway), so it’s best to pre-order online to ensure your place.  There is also a charge if you wish to visit Gaudi’s home – now the Gaudi Museum – which is also located here.

The undoubted highlight of the parc is the buildings at the entrance gates with their Spanish tile glinting in the sunshine. El Drac, which is the often photographed salamander sculpture, is also incredible. I didn’t have to pay to have my photo taken with him back in 2006, but such is life in 2017.

In 2007, El Drac was badly vandalised. He has since been restored to his former glory and continues to snake proudly down the staircase of Parc Guell.  If colourful animals are your thing, do visit the parrots (you can usually hear them) on your way around. These lovely birdies live in the grounds and are very fond of singing for tourists.

Casa Vicens