The Sagrada Família, formally known as the Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, is a monumental Catholic church situated in the Eixample district of Barcelona, Spain. Originally conceived by bookseller José María Bocabella following a visit to the Vatican, the project was intended to be an expiatory temple funded entirely by private donations. Construction officially commenced on 19 March 1882 under the direction of architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, who initially envisioned a traditional Gothic revival structure. However, the project underwent a radical transformation in 1883 when Antoni Gaudí assumed control, infusing the design with his signature blend of Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms that would eventually define the building's unique identity.
Gaudí dedicated the remainder of his life to the basilica, leaving behind a complex vision that remains one of the most ambitious long-term building projects in history. Following his death in 1926, the work continued through the efforts of various architects, despite significant setbacks including the destruction of original models and plans during the Spanish Civil War. Modern advancements, such as computer-aided design and numerical control milling, have since accelerated the construction process, allowing for the realization of Gaudí's intricate geometric designs that were once considered impossible to execute. These technological leaps have enabled the project to progress significantly, passing its midpoint in 2010 and moving toward its final structural phases.
The basilica reached a major milestone on 7 November 2010, when Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the building and officially proclaimed it a basilica. The site is globally recognized for its architectural significance, with the Nativity façade and the crypt designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. The structure is defined by its three grand façades—Nativity, Passion, and the yet-to-be-completed Glory—each serving as a profound theological narrative expressed through stone, sculpture, and light. While the building is often compared to a cathedral due to its immense scale and complexity, it is not the seat of the Archdiocese of Barcelona, a title held by the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia.
As of 2026, the Sagrada Família holds the title of the tallest church in the world, following the structural completion of the central Tower of Jesus Christ, which reaches a height of 172.5 meters. This central spire was inaugurated and blessed on 10 June 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudí's death. Today, the basilica stands as a testament to both religious devotion and engineering innovation, drawing millions of visitors annually who come to witness this extraordinary interpretation of sacred architecture. Despite ongoing debates regarding urban planning and the potential impact on surrounding residential blocks, the basilica continues to serve as a powerful symbol of Catalan culture and a masterpiece of modern architectural history.