The Sagrada Familia, also known as the Basilica of the Holy Family, is an undeniable icon of Barcelona and its most visited attraction, designed by the renowned Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi. The great master dedicated over 40 years to the creation of his masterpiece and knew that he wouldn’t get to see the final result of his work. The construction of the basilica began in 1883 and continues to this day. In the meantime, the skyward turned spires of the sanctuary, visible from many points of the city, became a characteristic feature of Barcelona’s landscape. So today, it’s hard to imagine it without them. Their purpose is to show catholic pilgrims the way to the basilica but they also attract plenty of tourists from all over the world to the city every year.

It is anticipated that the building will be completed by 2026, the centenary of Gaudi's death. Although the temple is still unfinished, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it isconsidered the Gaudi’s greatest work. The Sagrada Familia is a marvellous architectural creation, his crowning achievement and reflection of his prior professional experience.

When designing his brainchild, Gaudi drew inspiration from nature. For instance, he designed the columns to mirror tree trunks and transformed the interior into a stone forest filled with sunlight. Natural light comes into the temple through colourful large stained-glass windows.

The sanctuary’s exterior is not inferior to its magical interior and impresses with its incredible height, wonderful shape and variety of decorative elements. However, no matter how grand and monumental the Sagrada Familia appears compared to other buildings of the city, its height does not surpass Montjuic Hill, the highest point of Barcelona and its vicinities. Gaudi, being a true Christian, couldn’t allow for his building to be taller than God’s creation.