The enchanting Barcelona boasts a wealth of marvels that captivate the hearts of visitors from around the globe.
However, the crown jewel that stands out among its many attractions is the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia.
This towering cathedral, a testament to architectural ingenuity and religious devotion, adds an unparalleled allure to Barcelona’s reputation as one of the world’s most captivating tourist destinations.
For those fortunate enough to have laid eyes upon the iconic Sagrada Familia, the impression is one of awe and wonder.
Yet, surprisingly, this masterpiece remains incomplete, a work in progress that has spanned generations.
However, the wait for its grand unveiling as a finished edifice is drawing to a close, with completion slated for 2026, a mere two years away.
The Sagrada Familia’s construction began in 1882, spearheaded by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudí.
His ambitious plan envisioned a structure comprising 18 monumental, spindle-shaped towers, each representing a different biblical figure – the 12 apostles, the four evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ himself.
However, Gaudí’s untimely passing in 1926, when the building was only 15% complete, dealt a severe blow to the project’s progress.
The ensuing Spanish Civil War in the 1930s further exacerbated the delays, with Gaudí’s original models of the structure tragically destroyed.
Undeterred, the construction persevered, with the current designs based on surviving materials, reconstructed elements, and reimagined adaptations of the original vision.
As reported by CNN Travel, the Sagrada Familia will reportedly be complete by 2026.
In a statement announcing the publication of its 2023 annual report, the basilica declared, “The Chapel of the Assumption is expected to be finished in 2025, and the tower of Jesus Christ in 2026.”
The culmination of this monumental project will be marked by the completion of the six remaining towers, including the crowning tower of Jesus Christ. Standing at a majestic 172.5 meters (566 feet) tall, this tower will be adorned with a 17-meter-tall (56-foot) four-armed cross, according to the cathedral’s plans.
The Sagrada Familia’s significance is underscored by its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984 and its consecration for religious worship by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.
As the anticipation builds, the basilica is poised to break yet another record – upon its completion in 2026, it will become the tallest church in the world, surpassing the German-based Ulm Minster.
With each passing day, the excitement surrounding the Sagrada Familia’s impending completion grows, fueled by the promise of witnessing a true architectural and spiritual marvel in its entirety.
For those planning a visit to Barcelona, the allure of beholding this complete basilica will undoubtedly amplify the city’s magnetism, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience a masterpiece that has withstood the test of time and emerged as a crowning glory of human ingenuity and faith.
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