Among Barcelona’s many jewels is the retro Tibidabo amusement park, where visitors can take a “ride” in a vintage plane. The Church of the Sacred Heart in the distance is perhaps a comfort to nervous fliers. (Kari Howard / Los Angeles Times)
The spires of Antoni Gaudi’s still-unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia church, decorate the skyline in Barcelona. Gaudi, the most rock ‘n’ roll architect of all time, has unleashed his wild genius all over the city. (David Ramos / Getty Images)
The doors at Sagrada Familia are massive, with every inch filled with words of praise to God in stunning 3-D carvings. (Kari Howard / Los Angeles Times)
The interior of Sagrada Familia is as mind-blowing as the exterior. And timed right, light pours in from a circular skylight, as if transmitting the rays of a higher being. (Kari Howard / Los Angeles Times)
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Colorful, fresh produce is an invitation to shop at the Mercat de la Concepció, one of Barcelona’s lovely old markets. (Kari Howard / Los Angeles Times)
The chimneys and ventilation towers on the roof of Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Milà apartment building in Barcelona create a fantastical landscape that wouldn’t be out of place in a “Star Wars” movie. (Kari Howard / Los Angeles Times)
When the reunited Stone Roses launch their first concert tour in 16 years in Barcelona, two fangirls were so there. The British group performed at the Razzmatazz club. (Kari Howard / Los Angeles Times)
