The famous Sagrada Familia, the world’s most famous long-term construction, is nearing completion. But only after two years.
Barcelona’s famous Sagrada Familia, or Temple of Discovery, designed by Gaudi and under construction since 1882, is expected to be completed in 2026. The Assumption Chapel is expected to be completed in 2025, and the Tower of Christ in 2026. This is what the organization responsible for managing the facility said, CNN writes.
The famous church was designed by Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi, whose works can be seen all over Barcelona. He envisioned the structure to consist of 18 spindle-shaped towers, each referencing a different biblical figure: Jesus, the Virgin Mary, 12 apostles, and four evangelists. At the time of Gaudí’s death in 1926, only 10–15 percent of the Sagrada Familia was completed, including the crypt, transept, and part of the apse wall. Gaudi’s grave is under the cathedral.
The Spanish Civil War in the late 1930s slowed construction. During this time, many of Gaudí’s building designs and models were destroyed. In subsequent years, preserved and reconstructed materials were used in the Sagrada Familia, as well as interpretations of the original designs.
Although not yet completed, Sagrada Familia was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, and in 2010 Pope Benedict XVI consecrated it for religious worship. Interestingly, construction was carried out illegally for more than 100 years. Barcelona City Council belatedly granted a construction permit only in 2019. At this point, the project was about 70 percent complete, so teams worked pretty quickly over the next few years.
When completed, Sagrada Familia will be the tallest church in the world, surpassing Ulm Cathedral in Germany. This final component, the Jesus Christ Tower, will be 566 feet tall and feature a 56-foot-tall four-pointed cross.
But the Sagrada Familia in the forest has already become a unique symbol of Barcelona. Therefore, tourists and locals will have to get used to its new look.
In the meantime, let us remind you that the restoration of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris continues. The most famous temple in the French capital was severely damaged by a fire in 2019.
Source: Focus
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