While all of us here at DLG are getting ready for fall, our very own Lizzie B. is soaking up the warm weather in Barcelona! She recently visited Barcelona’s most breathtaking Basilica, Sagrada Familia. Renowned architect Antoni Gaudí originally masterminded the church’s design in 1883, taking inspiration from both nature and Christianity. Sagrada Familia's construction relied solely on private donations, so progress was slow. This progress was interrupted during the Spanish Civil War, but construction resumed in 1939 and has continued for the last seventy-eight years. With only seventy-percent of the church presently completed, it is not expected to be finished until 2026. A wonderful example of Gothic architecture and Catalan modernism, the Sagrada Familia is also an excellent example of Gaudi’s love of color, which he said was the expression of life. Natural light was a primary focus, which Gaudí used to uniquely compliment his architectural designs by allowing the sunlight to glisten through the tall towers and beautiful stained glass windows. As you can see, when the sunlight hits the stained glass windows, the whole church shimmers with bright colors!