Two things that amazed me when I visited it years ago: 1. The concept of long term planning (or rather fits and starts) in building these monuments. The constr

Two things that amazed me when I visited it years ago: 1. The concept of long term planning (or rather fits and starts) in building these monuments. The construction time scale is in the centuries. 2. The character of the various architects (Gaudi, Subirachs et al) that were involved at each stage of construction reflected in different parts of the church. It makes us think of the relationship between our insignificant lifetimes compared to the institutions that endure long after we are gone.