One Of The Slowest Architectural Projects In History Is Almost Complete
It's the final countdown for the Sagrada Familia, one of Barcelona's top tourist attractions. The colossal basilica is slated for completion in 2026—still a few years, but what's another decade for a church under construction for 134 years?
Designed by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, the building of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882, making it one of the longest-running architectural projects ever undertaken.
Construction crews are currently working to raise six new towers, which will make the Sagrada Familia the tallest religious building in Europe.
The central tower—christened "Tower of Jesus Christ"—will be 566 feet tall, surpassing Germany's Ulm Minster (535.1 feet).
The massive construction project—about $28M per year—is financed through donations and entrance fees from visitors, who come in millions every year.
