1. A century-spanning construction storyConstruction began in 1882, making the Sagrada Família one of the longest-running architectural projects in modern history. Today, the project is overseen by the Fundació Junta Constructora del Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, with Chief Architect Jordi Faulí leading its final construction phases.2. The world’s tallest church towerhe Sagrada Família in Barcelona reached its final height of 172.5 m (566 ft) on February 20, 2026, with the installation of the cross atop the Tower of Jesus Christ, making it the tallest church in the world. The year 2026 was chosen to mark the centenary of architect Antoni Gaudí’s death, though the basilica’s full construction, including the Glory façade, is expected to be completed around 20343. Gaudí’s geometry, digitally decodedAntoni Gaudí i Cornet designed the basilica using hyperboloids, helicoids and catenary arches—forms now recreated through advanced parametric modelling. At the time of his passing, less than a quarter of the project was completed, leaving much of the basilica to future generations to realise. 4. A symbolic forest of columns Inside the basilica, branching columns rise like trees, designed to distribute structural loads while creating the effect of a stone forest canopy. 5. Eighteen towers of faith When complete, the basilica will have 18 towers representing the Twelve Apostles, Four Evangelists, the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ, of which 13 towers have been completed so far.5. Eighteen towers of faith When complete, the basilica will have 18 towers representing the Twelve Apostles, Four Evangelists, the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ, of which 13 towers have been completed so far. 6. Rhino and grasshopper power design Architects today use Rhinoceros (Rhino) and Grasshopper to digitally model Gaudí’s complex geometry and optimise structural forms. 7. BIM coordinates the build The project uses Building Information Modelling (BIM) to coordinate design, structure and construction sequencing across thousands of unique components, with engineering support from Arup Group and IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture. 8. CNC stone fabrication Digital models are converted into fabrication data used by CNC stone-cutting machines, producing highly precise architectural elements from sandstone sourced from Montjuïc in Barcelona and quarries across Europe, including Withnell Quarry in the UK. 9. A symphony of light and colour The basilica’s interior features vibrant stained glass designed by artist Joan Vila-Grau, installed between 1999 and 2016, using colour gradients that transform natural light into shifting patterns across the nave throughout the day. 10. A project still evolving Although the central tower milestone was completed in February 2026is expected around 2026, final detailing, the Glory façade, and surrounding works may continue into the 2030s.