Gaudi's Dream of a "Bible in Stone": Sagrada Familia Exterior Completed After 144 Years

[Anchor]

Today, June 10, marks the 100th anniversary of the passing of Spanish architectural master Antoni Gaudí. His masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, has finally completed its exterior construction after 144 years. We go now to the site in Barcelona, where a completion ceremony will be held shortly.

Correspondent Kwon Young-in, is it true that the Pope himself will be attending this historic event?

[Reporter]

Yes, that is correct. The tallest tower rising behind me at the Sagrada Familia is the Tower of Jesus, which has just been completed.

With the completion of this 172.5-meter central tower, the Sagrada Familia has become the tallest church in the world.

Construction, which began in 1882, has finally finished its exterior work after a staggering 144 years.

The legendary architect Antoni Gaudí dedicated his entire fortune to the construction of the cathedral, vowing to "build a Bible in stone" until his death in a traffic accident at the age of 73.

[Mauricio Cortes/Architect: Gaudí dedicated 40 years, or exactly 43 years, to the cathedral. Since then, five generations of architects, donors, and the citizens of Barcelona have contributed to this project across generations.]

Today also marks the 100th anniversary of Gaudí's death.

A wreath-laying ceremony was held a short while ago at Gaudí's tomb in the crypt of the Sagrada Familia, and Pope Leo XIV will preside over a solemn mass here shortly.

Afterward, he is scheduled to step outside the cathedral to bless the completion of the Tower of Jesus.

Eight thousand guests, including the King of Spain, have been invited, and crowds are already gathering around the cathedral.

[Anchor]

The overwhelming exterior of the cathedral is visible behind you. Does this mean the construction is completely finished?

[Reporter]

Not exactly.

The significance lies in the fact that the major structural and exterior work is complete, but there is still work remaining.

In particular, the construction of the Glory Façade, which serves as the main entrance, has not yet been finished.

According to Gaudí's original design, the houses in front of the entrance must be demolished.

However, due to opposition from local residents, the architect I interviewed earlier stated that it will likely take another 10 years to resolve this issue and complete the interior decoration work.

(Video reporting: Kim Si-nae, Video editing: Kim Jong-tae)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.