THE TOWERS OF LA SAGRADA FAMILIA ARE FINISHED

La Sagrada Família, Barcelona: The beloved basilica’s towers are finally complete

141 years since construction began in 1882, the four main towers of La Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s spectacular basilica church and Barcelona’s most famous landmark, are complete. Each tower represents one of the four evangelists – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – with each evangelist represented by an animal.

A beloved sight on the Barcelona skyline for years, most locals and visitors are used to their view of the majestic church being impeded by scaffolding, but this is set to change with an end to construction work finally in sight. The scaffolding on the four towers will be taken down shortly, bringing a new era to Sagrada Família, which is also the final resting place of its famous architect.

The team behind the UNESCO-listed site are now looking ahead to completing the central tower, representing Christ; this tower is to be topped with a statue of Jesus, making Sagrada Família one of the tallest churches in the world.

La Basílica de la Sagrada Família is famous for being incomplete, and construction has been hampered by the fact that Gaudí himself did not leave full plans for the cathedral. However, it is hoped that the church will be finished in its entirety within the next three years, with an anticipated completion date of 2026 (to coincide with the 100^th anniversary of Gaudí’s death).