The La Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous structures in Barcelona, Spain and many people don't realize that the cathedral is not complete. Instead, it is a "work in progress" that began in 1882. Now, finally, the structure has a completion date slated for 2026 which means the cathedral, boasting Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau style, would have taken 144 years to complete when it is finished. After the death of designer Antoni Gaudi, who died in a tram accident, the structure was partially destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. That said, the completed version will not be very similar to Gaudi's vision but he wouldn't have an issue with that. "There is no reason to regret that I cannot finish the church," Gaudi once said. "I will grow old but others will come after me. What must always be conserved is the spirit of the work, but its life has to depend on the generations it is handed down to and with whom it lives and is incarnated." Here are four fast facts about the La Sagrada Familia:
1. Famed author George Orwell was not a fan of the La Sagrada Familia. In his memoir of the Spanish Civil War, he called the basilica "one of the most hideous buildings in the world." 2. The La Sagrada Familia was designed by Antoni Gaudi, who is also known as "God's architect." Gaudi reportedly once said, "my client is in no hurry," when asked about the completion of the project. Incidentally, Gaudi only came on board the year after construction started. 3. The structure is referred to as a cathedral and was initially built as one, but as of November 2010, the structure was consecrated as a basilica by Pope Benedict XVI. What's the difference? A basilica is a large church with ceremonial rights while a cathedral has the official seats of archbishops. 4. The La Sagrada Familia is funded by gifts from private donors and the 25 million euros it makes from its 3 million visitors each year.
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