"La Sagrada Família," a dramatic, imposing cathedral designed by Spanish architect Antoni Guadí, is easily Spain's most recognizable landmark, and it isn't even finished yet. Construction began on the church 133 years ago, in 1882, and it continues to this day.
Work crews recently began the final phase of construction, meaning the church will soon be complete after more than a century of work. It's expected to be done in 2026.
Tourists have come from across the world to see the progress of construction on the cathedral, which has soaring ceilings, intricate facades, and bright stained-glass windows. More than three million people visit the temple each year, according to National Geographic.
The tallest tower will eventually be 564 feet high, making it the tallest religious structure in Europe.
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The Neo-Gothic design was initially being planned by the architect Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano, the first architect to work on ideas for the church.
Famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí took over the design of the Sagrada Família in 1883 and continued until he died in an accident in 1926. He is considered the main architect of the church.
Many challenges have come up in the progress of construction. Gaudí's designs were incredibly complex and expensive, and the Spanish Civil War completely halted progress in the late 1930s. This is how the church appeared in 2004.
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