A few months ago, chief architect Jordi Fauli announced that an end was in sight for the construction of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia basilica, with a completion date tentatively scheduled for 2026. After over 100 years of ongoing work, Antoni Gaudi's masterpiece is now 70% complete. Within the next decade, the basilica will we dotted with several new towers bringing their total number to 18, the tallest of which — The Tower of Jesus Christ — will soar 170 metres in the city's skies.

The Nativity Facade, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

Facing east, the Nativity Facade was the first of a series of three to be built, between 1894 and 1930.

Detail of the Nativity Facade, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

Tarnished by time and air pollution, the oldest facade depicts the life of Jesus in intricate detail.

Detail of a door on the Nativity Facade, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

With many decorative elements inspired by fauna and flora, it is highly representative of Gaudi's style.

Detail of a door on the Nativity Facade, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

Nature was Gaudi's main inspiration, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

To the west, the simplicity and angularity of the Passion Facade highly contrasts with the rest of the Art Nouveau edifice.

The Passion Facade, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

Construction on this facade started in 1954, with the foundation and the crypt preceding above-ground work.

Sculptures on the Passion Facade, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

Detail of a door on the Passion Facade, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

The remaining facade to the south, known as the Glory Facade, is still heavily under construction. It will eventually become main entrance to the Basilica's nave.

The west side of the Sagrada Familia, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

Eventually, 18 towers will represent the twelve apostles, the Virgin Mary, the four evangelists and Jesus Christ.

18 towers will eventually crown the basilica, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

When complete, the Sagrada Familia will be 170 metres tall, which is just one metre less than the Montjuic Mountain, the tallest point in Barcelona. It will also become the tallest religious edifice in the world.

Looking up at the basilica's ceilings, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

The inside of the basilica mimics a forest, with slender columns representing tree trunks and branches, and the roof of the nave appearing like foliage.

The columns represents a forest of trees, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

The tallest vault is 75 metres high. The roof of the edifice was completed 15 years ago.

Coloured windows bring a unique light to the interiors, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

Ample windows bring large amounts of natural and tinted light to the inside of the church.

Several cranes are still in place to build the remaining towers, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

Work is still ongoing on the upper parts of the building, where cranes are assembling future towers.

Work is ongoing for the upper parts of the basilica, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

Meanwhile, the finishing touches are brought to the stonework and mosaics pictured below, which represent fruit.

Work is ongoing for the upper parts of the basilica, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

Construction trailers are present throughout the site to provide resting spots for workers and to store some light construction materials and tools.

A construction trailer on the roof of the basilica, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

The towers offer sweeping views of the surrounding city.

Looking towards Barcelona's business district, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

More than €25 million are spent annually for the construction of the Sagrada Familia, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of it is financed by visitors, who pay an average of €20 to visit the edifice. It is the most visited attraction in Spain.

View from a tower, looking east, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

While the structure of the basilica will be complete by 2026, decorative elements like the mosaics won't be finished until 2030 or 2032.

Work is ongoing for the upper parts of the basilica, image by Nicolas Arnaud-Goddet

What do you think of Gaudi's unique style of architecture? Let us know by leaving a comment at the bottom of this page or by visiting the dedicated Forum thread. More information and renderings of the finished Sagrada Familia are also available in the Database file for this building.