After More Than 140 Years, Barcelona's Iconic Church Nears Completion
Construction of Barcelona's popular cathedral began in 1881, and it's nearing its completion over 140 years later.
What's happening?
Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Familia cathedral is almost as famous for its endless construction work spanning decades as its magnificent architecture. And, now, it may be completed soon.
When and where?
The construction of the famous landmark is expected to be finished by 2026, almost 100 years after its architect, Antoni Gaudi, died in 1926 and 140 years after it went into construction. It is located at Pla?a Sagrada Fam¨ªlia, Eixample district of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
Why is it so iconic?
The monumental structure is designed to accommodate around 13,000 people. When complete, the Sagrada Familia will become the world's tallest church, overtaking Ulm Minster in Germany.
Gaud¨ª decided that the monumental structure would have 18 huge, spindle-shaped towers, each symbolising a different biblical figure¡ªthe 12 apostles, the four evangelists, the Virgin Mary and Jesus.
The four evangelist towers stand 135 meters tall (around 443 feet).At the end of 2021, a huge, 12-pointed star was placed on top of the 138-meter (453-foot) tall tower of the Virgin Mary to mark its completion.
The remaining tower, representing Jesus Christ, will stand at 172.5 meters tall (566 feet) and will be finished with a 17-meter-tall (56-foot) four-armed cross, according to the cathedral.
In 1984, the building was also designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI for religious worship in 2010.
How is the remaining work coming along?
Five central towers of Barcelona's famous Sagrada Familia basilica are at last finished.
An inauguration mass will be held at the cathedral on November 12, when the four evangelist towers will be illuminated. They will stay lit through Christmas, the church said.
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