10/14/2024
Included in our spanish selection of great experiences, that is the church that has been under construction for 142 years.
The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, located in the heart of Barcelona, is one of the most renowned Roman Catholic basilicas in the world, not only for its architectural brilliance but also for its ongoing construction, which has spanned over a century. The idea for this monumental structure was born in 1874, when a local organization called the Spiritual Association of Devotees of St. Joseph sought to create a grand church dedicated to the Holy Family (Sagrada Familia). Their vision took shape in 1882, when construction officially began with the laying of the cornerstone on March 19th.
Initially, architect Francisco de Paula del Villar was in charge of the project, but he resigned a year later. That’s when Antoni Gaudí, the celebrated Catalan architect, took over in 1883 and transformed the plans completely. Gaudí’s unique vision turned the church into a striking blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, full of symbolism, organic shapes, and nature-inspired elements. Gaudí devoted more than 40 years of his life to this project, and it became his magnum opus.
When Gaudí passed away in 1926, only about a quarter of the basilica had been completed. Despite challenges such as funding issues and the interruption caused by the Spanish Civil War, construction continues to this day, with hopes of finishing the basilica in the coming decades.
Architect: Antoni Gaudí
