After 144 years of construction, the main structure of the Sagrada Família basilica* in Barcelona, Spain, has finally been completed. Despite many setbacks, including wars, politics, and financial difficulties, work on the famous church has endured for generations.

The final addition to the church was the Tower of Jesus Christ, the tallest of the basilica’s 18 towers, reaching 172.5 meters. Its installation marked the symbolic end of construction on the church’s main structure and made it the tallest church in the world.

The completion was celebrated in June during a major inauguration ceremony led by Pope Leo XIV. Spanish royalty, government leaders, church officials, and thousands of visitors attended the historic event.

The Sagrada Família is famous for its unusual design, which combines Gothic architecture with flowing forms inspired by nature. It features colorful stained-glass windows, richly detailed façades,* and 18 towers representing Jesus, the Virgin Mary, the four Evangelists,* and the Twelve Apostles.*

The basilica was originally designed by Antoni Gaudí, one of Spain’s most influential architects. Construction began in 1882, and Gaudi took charge of the project in 1883, devoting the last decade of his life to it. When he died in 1926, less than one-quarter of the basilica had been completed, leaving future generations to continue his work.

Several factors contributed to the prolonged construction period. Namely, the project relied mainly on private donations, it suffered interruptions during the Spanish Civil War, and many of Gaudí’s original plans were lost when parts of his workshop were destroyed.

Although the main structure is complete, some construction work remains unfinished. To fully realize Gaudi’s original vision, builders are expected to continue working on parts of the Glory Façade, the surrounding areas, and the interior details until 2030.

* basilica 바실리카 성당

* façade 건물의 정면

* Evangelist 복음 전도자

* Twelve Apostles 12사도