Sagrada Família is the iconic basilica in Barcelona, Spain, designed by Antoni Gaudí, renowned for its intricate organic architecture blending Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. Construction began in 1882 and continues today.
 
Work started under Francisco de Paula del Villar with a neo-Gothic plan, but Gaudí took over in 1883, radically redesigning it and dedicating his life to the project until his death in 1926, when only about a quarter was complete. Progress halted during the Spanish Civil War due to destruction of plans and models, resuming in the 1950s with modern technology accelerating efforts. Structural completion due in 2026.
 
It is full of symbolism. 18 spires symbolizing the Apostles, Evangelists, Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ, with the central Jesus tower planned at 172 meters to remain shorter than Barcelona’s Montjuïc hill out of humility. Three façades represent Christ’s Nativity (ornate, nature-inspired), Passion (angular, skeletal), and Glory (largest, depicting judgment and virtues). Gaudí embedded nature motifs throughout, like helical stairs visible from towers and symbolic animals (tortoises for land/sea, chameleons for change) on the Nativity Façade. A magic square on the Passion Façade sums to 33 (Christ’s age at death), and towers align with celestial points; Gaudí’s crypt lies beneath. Phew thats a lot!
 
interesting facts...
Gaudi's workshop and models were largely destroyed in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War by anarchists. The design today it has been interpreted from photos.