1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
ArchitectureSpain

Gaudi's Sagrada Familia: A Barcelona icon

05:38

This browser does not support the video element.

Kerstin Schmidt
June 6, 2026

With its newly completed tower, Gaudi’s masterpiece is now the world’s tallest church. His bold vision helped define the look and feel of Barcelona.

No architect has shaped Barcelona quite like Antoni Gaudi. This travel report takes in Park Güell, theSagrada Familia and Casa Milà, telling the story of a passionate visionary whose work still inspires awe around the world. The Sagrada Familia, arguably the world’s most famous construction site, has been under construction for more than 140 years.

To mark the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death, the last of its 18 towers has now been completed, reaching 172.5 meters and making it the tallest church in the world. Like many great churches across Europe, it is also a major tourist attraction. Visitors should book tickets well in advance. Construction is funded entirely by entrance fees and donations.

Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW

More stories from DW