I almost didn’t go to the top of the spire at Sagrada Familia and what a mistake that would have been. I was smart enough to be at Sagrada Familia first thing in the morning when they opened their doors to the public so there were not too many people to get in the way of my picture taking. I had gone the day before at sunset but when I saw how crowded it was I made up my mind to go back at a more opportune time. I did get some cool exterior shots that evening though so it was still time well spent.
Anyone who knows me is aware that I am not good with heights and that’s putting it mildly. So I sucked up what little courage I could muster and got into the lift that takes you to the top of the church. As I got to the windows and took my first glimpse of the panoramic view I was blown away. The way the blue sky and white clouds contrasted with the orange glow of the church and cityscape took my breath away. Then again it could have been a panic attack due to the height issues I have ;^). Whatever the case may be I’m just happy to have had the chance to be at the right place at the right time. Even the cranes and haze above the buildings blended in nicely in this image taking on a similar hue to the church spires. If you are like me and have an issue with heights then don’t worry as the windows are small and I never felt unsafe. That is until I boldly decided to take the stairs down as opposed to the lift… Bad decision, very bad!
I have friends from Canada and Mexico who will both be in Barcelona soon. They don’t know each other and it would be kind of cool if the 2 groups met by some chance. I hope they get an opportunity to visit Sagrada Familia and take in the view. Happy travels Gaby and Daniel!
Enjoy more travel photography and stories:
I just found your site in twitter. The photos are impressives.
I wish that you can add more.
Taoumi
Unbelievable!!! I love it :) Great picture (the effort you made makes it even better if it is possible)
WOW!!!! This image is absolutely breathtaking…it actually makes me a little nervous just looking at the image, I can’t imagine that you had the nerve to go up there!!! Thank you for sharing something that I would never see myself, even if I were in this beautiful city, as I would never, ever have the courage to go up there! xoxo Beth
Thank you all! @Taoumi, cheers, come back soon for new photos. @Gaby, what’s even greater is that you will be there soon! Bon Voyage! @Beth, it’s not that scary at all for anyone with no fear of heights. Just make sure you take the lift going down! :^)
I visited the Sagrada Familia back in April of this year and this photo makes me want to go back to Spain! Gaudi and his geniusness was so inspiring! I LOVE that he looked to God’s creations to inspire his architecture. I could go on for days! I enjoyed Barcelona so much! Thank you for sharing this beautiful photo and taking a risk of hyperventilation… from the heights!! ;-)
Another spectacular picture, great job Ken! Do you have one from the roof top of Milan Duomo in your archives? I’d love to see it as I was there 2 weeks ago and it was IMPRESSIVE. Now that I’ve been to both, the Sagrada and Duomo, I’d say they are equally impressive but I do love the Duomo a bit more.
@Dana, while Barcelona is a world class city in so many ways I find that Gaudi’s brilliant designs elevate the city into a class of it’s own. @Helen, thank you! I do have a series of images from the top of the Duomo in Florence. I was fortunate to be there on a very special day and have a nice story to go along with the photos. I’ll be sharing all of this in an upcoming blog post :^)
This is simply Magnificent & Breathtaking ! It doesnt even look as if it is a real actual place – its so Steampunk ! This particular photograph belongs in a Jules Verne novel . Thank you for mustering up the courage to go to such heights and capture such a magnificent scene , it is simply surreal ! ( * I have big issues w/ heights as well , and I def empathize :) ) . I love all of your works – you have just gained a new fan !
P.S: I believe you will get that Nobel someday ! ( for bravery , & climbing to new heights ! Ok, so they dont award the Nobel for that – but hey … you never know … :D
Wishing you much continued future success within life & career endeavors & oceans of joy in life :)
M.
Mia, thank you for such a wonderful comment, it’s so nice that you took the time to let me know that you enjoy my photography. I hope that you’ll come back for more and share the blog with your friends who also enjoy photography. I will now wait patiently for the phone to ring, my Nobel prize awaits! :^) Peace
Wow, that looks like a scene from Blade Runner…oops! Am I dating myself?
ps…The things we do for a good shot…I’m also deathly afraid of heights. I just found myself on top of the Vittorio Emanuelle Building in Rome. My knees almost buckled in the glass elevator as it was going up. But WHAT a view!
To echo what others have already said, what a stunning photograph. I also have recently started following your posts and look forward to each one. I can relate to your dilemma… I’m not afraid of heights. I’m just afraid of falling. :)
I have problems with heights too. When I was at the top I freaked out because the the wall that seperated you from edge was only knee high. I was sure I was going to fall!