Barcelona’s iconic cathedral to be completed after 137 years
Construction of the Sagrada Familia, designed by famed architect Gaudí, started in 1882.
It is the most famous unfinished building in the world.
The iconic Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona, Spain, was designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí in 1882 and consecrated in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI. The building is finally near completion after 137 years of construction!
According to Associated Press, Barcelona City Hall finally has granted the current builders “a license that is valid through 2026. “The builders think that will be enough time to finish raising the landmark Roman Catholic church’s central towers,” AP writes. “The basilica’s first stone was laid in 1882, but Barcelona officials said there was no record showing a building permit first requested in 1885 ever was granted or rejected.”
Associated Press reports that over 4.5 million visitors pay 17–38 euros each to tour the cathedral-sized church every year.
The Barcelona government estimates 20 million tourists stand outside to marvel at the bell towers; Gaudí envisioned 12, one for each of Christ’s disciples, but they may never all be built.
When completed, work on one of the central towers — expected to be completed within the time frame of the permit — will make La Sagrada Familia the tallest religious structure in Europe at 172.5 meters (566 feet), according to the builders.
