The history of the Sagrada Familia is inextricably linked to its principal architect, Antoni Gaudí, and his dream of creating a monument that symbolized Christian faith through architecture. The construction of the basilica began in 1882 under the direction of architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, who initially designed a neo-Gothic style church. However, del Villar left the project shortly after, and in 1883, Gaudí took over as chief architect, radically transforming the design.

Gaudí dedicated more than 40 years of his life to building the Sagrada Familia, with the last 15 years focused entirely on this project. His vision was ambitious and original: he aimed to create a basilica that was not only a place of worship but also a spiritual and artistic experience like no other. Gaudí conceived the Sagrada Familia as a tribute to God and nature, with architecture reflecting the beauty of the natural world. The organic elements present in the design, such as pillars resembling trees and the undulating shapes of the façades, show how nature influenced Gaudí’s ideas.

During Gaudí’s lifetime, only a portion of the Sagrada Familia was completed. Much of his energy was devoted to the construction of the Nativity Façade, one of the three main façades, which represents the birth of Christ. However, in 1926, Gaudí tragically died in an accident, leaving the basilica unfinished. After his death, construction continued under the guidance of other architects who sought to remain faithful to his vision, even though many of his original drawings were destroyed during the Spanish Civil War.

Despite numerous challenges, the construction of the Sagrada Familia has persisted over the decades, funded primarily by donations from visitors and the faithful. The basilica has continued to evolve and modernize, with advanced technologies speeding up the progress of the work. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the basilica, allowing it to be used for liturgical purposes despite its unfinished state.