Spain

"To do things right, you need to love, then tenique." Antonio Gaudi

This place is amazing!

The first stone of La Sagrada Familia was laid on March 19, 1882, under the direction of architect Francisco de Paula del Villar.  Antoni Gaudi took over the project in 1883 and assumed responsibility for the project, radically transforming the original neo-Gothic design into his own unique vision.
Still unfinished after more than 140 years
despite ongoing construction for over a century.  It is expected to be complete in 2026. —100 years after Gaudí’s death.

When completed, it will be the tallest church in the world. The central tower will reach 172 meters.
The 18 towers have symbolic meaning:
The basilica will feature 18 towers: 12 for the apostles, 4 for the evangelists, 1 for the Virgin Mary, and the tallest for Jesus Christ.  It has 3 iconic grand facades, each with deep symbolic meaning: the Nativity (birth of Christ), the Passion (suffering and death), and the Glory (heaven and resurrection).

Antoni Gaudí is buried in the crypt of the basilica, specifically in the Chapel of the Virgin of Carmen.  Gaudi was hit by a tram, no one recognized him, and for 3 days, he was in a hospital for the poor and died alone.

In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI consecrated La Sagrada Familia as a minor basilica, elevating its religious statusRead more