The Sagrada Família is Antoni Gaudí’s most famous work and one of the most unique temples in the world. Its construction began in 1882 as a civic initiative promoted by the bookseller Josep Maria Bocabella, who envisioned a great expiatory temple in an industrial and rapidly changing Barcelona. Gaudí took over in 1883, replacing the original neo-Gothic design with a monumental vision that integrated faith, nature, and technique. For 43 years —and especially during the last fourteen of his life— he worked almost exclusively on the project: columns like tree trunks branching out, vaults inspired by forest canopies, and light that evokes a woodland atmosphere. During his lifetime, he focused mainly on the Nativity Façade, conceived as both a statement of intent and a visual appeal to attract donations. As an expiatory temple, the Sagrada Família has always been funded through private contributions, including income from visitors. After Gaudí’s death in 1926, the work continued thanks to the models and geometric calculations he left behind. The Civil War destroyed part of the workshop, but construction resumed in the mid-20th century. Today, with the central towers nearing completion, the building continues to rise —faithful to Gaudí’s method while adapting to the challenges of the 21st century.

Rising above the Gothic Quarter stands the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, the seat of the archbishop and Barcelona’s main church since the Middle Ages. Beneath its foundations lie the remains of a Paleochristian basilica and a Romanesque temple, bearing witness to the continuity of worship since the city’s origins. Construction of the current Gothic building began in the 13th century, reflecting the rise of a city in expansion. The Cathedral is a prime example of Catalan Gothic architecture: three naves of nearly equal height, side chapels dedicated to guilds and families, and a 15th-century choir at its center. Its cloister, added around the same period, preserves the fountain, garden, and the famous white geese. The main façade is not medieval —it was added in the late 19th century, financed by the banker Manuel Girona and designed by Josep Oriol Mestres in a Neo-Gothic style inspired by ancient plans. This detail makes the Cathedral a true architectural palimpsest, where Romanesque, Gothic, and Neo-Gothic coexist within a single space.

This is the main cathedral in Mexico City, located right in the heart of CDMX main plaza (Zocalo)

Latin America's oldest and largest Roman Catholic cathedral. Breathtaking architecture and massive space. The pendulum in the Cathedral is a must-see too. There entry is free.

In Sant Andreu you find a quiet neo-Gothic church with an early work by Antoni Gaudí at your feet. Joan Torras Guardiola designed the church and asked his former student to draw the floor mosaic. It runs along the central nave and transept with floral and geometric motifs and the initials J and M from the original convent school.

Monastery within the Dilijan National Park that is free to enter. The drive up through the forests adds to the charm of this beautiful spot.

9th century monastery that overlooks Lake Sevan, free to enter, short but steep walk up to reach the top.

Beautiful monastery, free to enter and on a clear day you can see Mount Ararat (important Armenian symbol)

Medieval monastery that is built into the cliff, surrounded by impressive scenery. Free to enter and there’s lots of areas to explore

Beautiful catholic church, the oldest in Yerevan.