Designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, it stands as an iconic symbol of the city’s unique culture and history.
Construction on the basilica began in 1882, but Gaudí was only appointed to lead its design in 1883. He spent over forty years working on this project before his death in 1926; since then, construction has continued under various architects who have sought to honour his original vision for the building. The church is due to be completed sometime around 2026, making it one of Europe’s longest running construction projects.
Gaudí took inspiration from both Gothic and Art Nouveau styles when designing the Sagrada Família, creating an entirely new style that combines elements from both traditions while also incorporating modernist techniques such as reinforced concrete structures and abstracted forms inspired by nature. The result is a stunningly beautiful building with intricate details that draw visitors from all over the world each year.
The interior of the Sagrada Família features numerous works of art including stained-glass windows depicting scenes from biblical stories, sculptures honouring saints and apostles, mosaics depicting angels and other religious figures, as well as several large murals painted by some of Catalonia’s most renowned artists including Josep Maria Subirachs and Joan Vila-Grau. There are also eighteen towers dedicated to Jesus Christ (the tallest reaching 170 meters), four bell towers representing Matthew Mark Luke John (each measuring between 80 – 100 meters) plus six more spires which represent Mary Magdalene & Co., all adding up to a total height exceeding 500 feet.
Visitors can explore these incredible works via guided tours or simply wander through them independently at their own pace; either way, they will be sure to experience something truly remarkable during their visit here. In addition to admiring its beauty inside out, there are many activities available, such as climbing up into one of its famous towers or attending mass held within its walls every Sunday morning.
