The Sagrada Família Takes Its Final Shape Author: D. T. Max Published: September 15, 2025 Source: The New Yorker --- Overview The Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí's iconic and unfinished church in Barcelona, is nearing completion after more than 140 years of construction. On the brink of becoming the tallest church in the world, its completion marks a blend of visionary architecture, modern engineering, and cultural symbolism. Gaudí's complex and nature-inspired designs have been meticulously followed and adapted over the decades, creating a landmark that is both a marvel and subject of debate. --- Key Highlights Architectural and Historical Significance Begun in 1882 on farmland now in Barcelona's heart, the church has evolved into a towering masterpiece. Gaudí devoted 43 years to the project, envisioning a Bible in stone with façades depicting the life of Jesus and symbolic architectural forms inspired by nature. The Sagrada Família includes 18 towers representing biblical figures, including Jesus, Mary, apostles, and Evangelists. Gaudí's death in 1926 left only about 10-15% of the church complete, with many original drawings and models lost in the Spanish Civil War. The building has incorporated innovative forms like paraboloids, helicoids, ellipsoids, and especially hyperboloids, integrating geometry with religious symbolism. Recent Progress and Construction A significant milestone occurred in late summer 2025, with a ring beam added atop the Jesus tower, soon to be crowned with a 55-foot fluted steel cross, making it the tallest church tower globally. The church retains a respectful height near Montjuïc's peak, reflecting Gaudí's wish not to compete with God. Modern technology and software originally designed for aerospace have accelerated construction, including precise stonecutting and 3D modeling for ceramics. There are now 14 towers, a rooftop amphitheater in progress, and about 1,000 workers engaged with a yearly budget of roughly €45 million. Some construction is still unfinished, particularly the façade representing humanity's history, which could take up to 12 more years. Efforts are ongoing to balance heritage, Gaudí’s vision, and pressures from urban development and local residents, as the church may require the demolition of adjacent apartments. Leadership and Philosophy Jordi Faulí, chief architect since 2012 and a lifelong devotee to the project, manages a small team dedicated to realizing Gaudí’s vision while navigating practical and political challenges. Faulí advocates for a conservative approach to interpretation, relying heavily on surviving memoirs, photographs, and the philosophical essence of Gaudí’s work. Gaudí’s original plan allowed for successive generations to put their own mark while maintaining overall coherence. The project is complex, involving religious authorities, city officials, artistic committees, and stakeholders balancing heritage and contemporary needs. Artistic Controversies and Perspectives The work has attracted both admiration and criticism: Early critics, including Orwell and Picasso, disparaged the design. Some modern architects and planners have called halting or radically altering the project. The sculpture work by Josep Maria Subirachs, with a stark style on the Passion façade, has sparked polarizing reactions. Supporters argue the basilica is an "incredible organic work of art" that combines multiple decades and techniques while honoring Gaudí’s legacy. The Sagrada Família is also a cultural symbol of Catalan spirit and creativity, with millions of annual visitors contributing greatly to its self-sufficiency financially. Visitor Experience and Impact The basilica remains one of the most visited monuments in the Iberian Peninsula, with nearly 5 million visitors entering last year. Visitors experience vibrant stained glass windows, atypical leaning columns