La Sagrada Família

The Basílica de la Sagrada Família is not only Barcelona's landmark — it is the most ambitious construction project in human history. Under construction since 1882, under Gaudí's direction since 1883, and still not finished. The planned completion is announced for 2026 (on the 100th anniversary of Gaudí's death), although the final completion will take a few more years.

What makes it so special?

From the outside, the Sagrada Família looks like a stone coral reef — organic towers growing into the sky, facades full of biblical narratives, a geometry that defies any category. But the true wonder is experienced inside: Gaudí transformed the nave into a forest of stone columns. The tree-like branching pillars bear the weight of the vault and let daylight flood through the stained glass windows — in the morning in blue and green (northeast side), in the evening in red and orange (southwest side). The effect is overwhelming: You stand in a space that is simultaneously a forest, cathedral, and light artwork.

The Three Facades

• Nativity Facade (Northeast): The only facade largely completed by Gaudí himself (1894–1930). Overflowing, naturalistic, full of angels, animals, and plants — like a living coral reef. Highly detailed and expressive.
• Passion Facade (Southwest): Designed by Gaudí, executed from 1954 by sculptor Josep Maria Subirachs. Angular, sparse, painful — deliberately in contrast to the Nativity Facade. The crucifixion scene and the "magic square" numbers (always totaling 33 — Christ's age) are fascinating.
• Glory Facade (South): The largest and last facade — still under construction. It will be the main facade of the finished church.

Towers

The finished church will have 18 towers: 12 for the Apostles (8 are standing), 4 for the Evangelists, 1 for the Virgin Mary, and 1 for Jesus Christ — the central tower will be 172.5 meters high, making it the tallest church building in the world. Gaudí insisted that no human construction should surpass God's work (the 173 m high Montjuïc).