Sagrada Família Nears Completion as the World Marks Gaudí's 100th Death Anniversary
- Dogeon Lim
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
June 6, 2026
Dogeon Lim
To mark the 100th anniversary of the death of Antoni Gaudí i Cornet, the renowned Catalan architect from Spain known as the “Architect of God,” a ceremony will be held to celebrate the completion of the central tower of his masterpiece, Sagrada Família.
Each year about 4.9 million people visit the Sagrada Família, making it the most visited paid attraction in Spain. About 20 million additional visitors come to its exterior. Korean travelers account for about 4.9% of visitors, which is approximately 240,000 people, making Koreans one of the largest groups of international visitors.
Construction of the Sagrada Família began in 1882 and has continued for nearly 145 years. Although some interior and exterior work remains unfinished, its overall structure was completed in 2026 when the Tower of Jesus Christ reached its final height of 172.5 meters, making it the tallest church in the world.
To honor Gaudí's legacy, Pope Leo XIV is expected to visit Barcelona and celebrate a memorial Mass and bless the Tower of Jesus Christ, the centerpiece of Sagrada Família's exterior. The event is considered the highlight of the celebrations marking Gaudi’s centennial.
Gaudi, who died in a tram accident in 1926, is widely regarded as one of history’s greatest architects. His works, including Park Güell, Casa Batllo, and Casa Mila, continue to attract millions of visitors from around the world.
Among them, the Sagrada Família is considered his greatest masterpiece, combining deep religious faith with groundbreaking architecture and art. In 2025, the Holy See declared Antoni Gaudí "Venerable," an important step toward possible sainthood in the Catholic Church. Parts of the Sagrada Família were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, and in 2010 Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the church as a minor basilica.
