Spanish architect Antonio Gaudí, known as the "architect of God," reaches a significant milestone with his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, as it marks the 100th anniversary of his death.
According to Yonhap News, a ceremony for the completion of the central tower, known as the "Tower of Jesus Christ," will take place in Barcelona on June 10.
Pope Leo XIV is expected to visit Barcelona to preside over a memorial mass for Gaudí and bless the tower, a symbol of the cathedral's exterior.
Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and has continued for 145 years, making it an unfinished basilica. In February, the installation of the cross at the top of the central tower brought its height to 172.5 meters, nearly completing the overall exterior and structure.
This height is slightly lower than Montjuïc Hill, which stands at 173 meters, reflecting Gaudí's philosophy that human architecture should not surpass nature.
While the Sagrada Familia Construction Committee acknowledges that some work remains on the main entrance, known as the "Facade of Glory," and parts of the interior, they consider this year as the official completion of the cathedral's exterior. The final completion is expected around 2034.
The Sagrada Familia is also a major tourist attraction in Spain, drawing approximately 4.9 million paying visitors annually, with total visitors estimated at 20 million when including those who only view the exterior.
As of last year, about 240,000 visitors, or 4.9% of the total, were from South Korea, making them the fifth-largest group of international visitors after those from the United States, China, Italy, and France.
The completion ceremony is expected to be a highlight of the events commemorating Gaudí's centenary. Approximately 8,000 attendees, including Spanish King Felipe VI, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and officials from the Catalonia autonomous government, are expected to participate. The Spanish government has deployed over 13,000 police officers to ensure security during the Pope's visit.
Born in 1852 to a devout Catholic family in Catalonia, Gaudí died on June 10, 1926, after being struck by a tram.
He left behind a legacy of unique architectural works, including Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, and Park Güell, significantly impacting the history of architecture. The Sagrada Familia is particularly regarded as a masterpiece that embodies his deep religious beliefs and artistic imagination.
In 2005, UNESCO designated parts of the cathedral, which Gaudí personally oversaw, as a World Heritage Site. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the basilica and declared it a minor basilica.
Last year, the Vatican declared Gaudí a "Venerable" in the Catholic canonization process, and officials are currently seeking evidence of miracles for his beatification.
According to Yonhap News, Dutch architect Heijs van Hensbergen told AFP, "It is clear that creating a work everyone wants to see is the greatest miracle," adding that people traveling to Barcelona to see this architecture is a kind of miracle in itself.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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