Construction work on Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia is set to be completed in 2025 after years of repairs.
Workers will enter the final phase of work on the monument’s tallest tower – Jesus Christ Tower – later this year.
Back in 1882, the construction of the Sagrada Familia started after it was designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.
Gaudi aimed to combine Gothic and Art Nouveau styles to create a unique and instantly recognisable structure.
The architect died in 1925, by which point the church was not even a quarter of the way to being finished.
The Sagrada Familia is the largest incomplete Catholic Church, and the monument is expected to be completely finished by 2034.
The final panel will be added to the Jesus Christ tower later this year.
While work on the tower will be completed next year, it won’t open until 2026 to mark the centenary of Gaudí’s death.
The chief architect on the project, Jordi Faulí, told Spanish media: “Gaudí already envisioned this structure being accessible to people.
“Rising above four tall columns of the transept and just above the altar, a great dome topped at 160 meters by a grand cross with four fluted arms to contemplate the panorama.
“The cross will be made of glass; during the day it will reflect sunlight and at night, powerful spotlights will project beams of light over the city.”
The Sagrada Familia has become the world’s longest ongoing construction project.
Guadi famously joked once: “My client is not in a hurry.”
The work was delayed during the Spanish Civil War, which broke out in 1936. Construction was paused and some parts of the monument were damaged.
Today, the Sagrada Familia is known as one of the most beautiful landmarks in Europe.
But some figures in history were less impressed. Spanish artist Salvador Dalí described its “terrifying and edible beauty” while George Orwell considered it “one of the most hideous buildings in the world.”