In 2005, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has named Sagrada Familia, one of the world's most iconic cathedrals, as a World Heritage Site.
The construction of Spain's Sagrada Familia was started by architect Francisco de Paula del Villar in 1882. Antoni Gaudi, a famous Catalan architect, has stepped in when the cathedral's original architect has resigned. The change in the building's chief architect has prompted a change in the architectural and engineering methods of the building. The new character of the building is a combination of Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau style. However, the construction was put to a halt in 1926, as the architect was ran over by a tram and died. During this time, only less than a quarter of the cathedral was completed. Gaudi was buried in the crypt of Sagrada Familia.
Just recently, a building permit has been issued, approving the continuation of construction for the iconic basilica, that is 137 years after the start of its construction.
The Barcelona city council has awarded the said license to the committee in charge of finishing the construction. Janet Sanz, the person in charge of urban planning, stated that the construction of the Catholic temple was computed to cost 4.6 million Euros, that is $5.2 million.
In 2016, the authorities have discovered that the building, which is being visited by millions of visitors every year, did not have any planning permission since the start of its construction.
To resolve a historical anomaly of having an emblematic landmark that did not have a permit for construction, Sanz stated that a construction permit was finally awarded. According to reports, Gaudi has filed for a permit in 1885 from the town hall of Sant Marti. However, the architect never received the answer.
According to the newly-issued building permit, the target date for the completion of the iconic basilica is on 2026, 100 years after its architect's death. The Sagrada Familia has been issued with a height limit of 172 meters or 564 feet. It is also given a budget limit of 374 million euros.
Surveys have reported that the basilica is the most visited monument in Barcelona. 2017 survey records have tallied a total of about 4.5 million visitors.
Although the basilica is known simply as "Sagrada Familia," its full name is "The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família". It was not until November 2010 that the landmark was consecrated as a minor basilica.
