Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The Sagrada Família basilica has been under construction for 100 years. World War I, the Spanish Civil War, World War II — it survived it all...with major delays.
How did we get from architect Antoni Gaudí's original plans to where we are today?
Gaudí was an experimental architect who took inspiration from the laws of nature, not man. What does that mean? Essentially, he didn't like to use straight lines. That's a nightmare for modern architects, who've had to use aeronautic software (as in, software used to design airplanes) to figure out his plans.
That slowed down construction...a lot. But in 2026, the tallest tower of the Sagrada Família was finally completed. The project isn't 100% done (will it ever be?) but this milestone was definitely a reason to celebrate.
More from Britannica:
The 100-Year History of La Sagrada Família: britannica.com/topic/Sagrada-Familia
Who Was Gaudí? britannica.com/biography/Antoni-Gaudi
The 10 Tallest Churches in the World: britannica.com/topic/10-Tallest-Churches-in-the-World
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#EncyclopaediaBritannica
Inspiring curiosity and the joy of learning since 1768.
Web: britannica.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Britannica
Twitter: twitter.com/Britannica
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The Sagrada Família basilica has been under construction for 100 years. World War I, the Spanish Civil War, World War II — it survived it all...with major delays.
How did we get from architect Antoni Gaudí's original plans to where we are today?
Gaudí was an experimental architect who took inspiration from the laws of nature, not man. What does that mean? Essentially, he didn't like to use straight lines. That's a nightmare for modern architects, who've had to use aeronautic software (as in, software used to design airplanes) to figure out his plans.
That slowed down construction...a lot. But in 2026, the tallest tower of the Sagrada Família was finally completed. The project isn't 100% done (will it ever be?) but this milestone was definitely a reason to celebrate.
More from Britannica:
The 100-Year History of La Sagrada Família: britannica.com/topic/Sagrada-Familia
Who Was Gaudí? britannica.com/biography/Antoni-Gaudi
The 10 Tallest Churches in the World: britannica.com/topic/10-Tallest-Churches-in-the-World
~~~
#EncyclopaediaBritannica
Inspiring curiosity and the joy of learning since 1768.
Web: britannica.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Britannica
Twitter: twitter.com/Britannica
Instagram: instagram.com/Britannica
