Here we all are at the entrance to Guell Park. This park was designed by the architect Antonio Gaudi. It is truly amazing -- there are lots of odd structures and buildings that look like something out of Hansel and Gretel. It really has to be seen to be believed.
Many of the things inside Guell Park are made to fit in with a natural surrounding. That is, Gaudi tried to make his art look like nature in some convoluted way. Here a hallway is formed by the pillars of a building, but they look like trees. Other structures in the park include surreal houses, a curvy bench several hundred meters long, and odd plants and trees.
Gaudi designed structures all over Barcelona. This is a Gothic cathedral called La Sagrada Familia, one of his most famous works. Gaudi lived from 1852 to 1926, and is buried in the cathedral's crypt. Although he left no plans upon his death, construction of the cathedral will continue for another estimated fifty years before its completion.
You can see how the English term gaudy was derived from the name of this architect!
Our last day in Catalonia was spent outside of the city in Montserrat. This name comes from the French "mont" (mountain) and "serrat" (serrated). The granite pillars which form the mountain itself are awe inspiring. We drove up to the cathedral which you can almost see in this photograph, although it is also possible to take a gondola. From there we hiked to the top of the mountain.
The Cabrillo Chorus held its first performance inside the cathedral in this remarkable location.
