Antoni Gaudí's Sagrada Familia Construction Completed After 144 Years, Marking Architectural Milestone in Barcelona
BARCELONA, Spain — Fourteen decades after groundbreaking commenced, the iconic Sagrada Familia basilica has officially reached structural completion, authorities confirmed Tuesday. The final key tower, dedicated to Jesus Christ, was crowned with a twelve-pointed star, signifying the end of major construction on Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece.
The monumental event occurred at 7:45 p.m. local time. The basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site, began its construction in 1882 under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, with Gaudí taking over a year later. Gaudí, who dedicated his final years to the project, died in 1926, leaving only a quarter of the structure built. Construction continued intermittently, relying on private donations and original plans.
According to the Sagrada Familia Foundation, the final tower rises 172 meters, making it the tallest religious structure in Europe. The completion was achieved through a combination of traditional craftsmanship and advanced digital modeling, adhering to Gaudí's original vision. The next phase involves interior finishing and artistic ornamentation, expected to conclude by 2034.
Local officials and church leaders celebrated the achievement during a ceremony, emphasizing the basilica's role as a global symbol of faith and architectural endurance. Residents and tourists gathered nearby to witness the lighting of the star, which will remain illuminated nightly.