Construction of Antoni Gaudi's masterpiece began in 1882, one year before work began in Madrid on the Almudena Cathedral. As of 2026 it remains unfinished, with two of the eighteen main spires still to be completed, as well as the South, or 'Glory', Facade, which will eventually be the main entrance. No official completion date has been announced, but some estimates suggest 2034.

It was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI in November 2010. In October 2025 it became the world's tallest church when its central spire surpassed Ulm Minster, and reached its full height of 172.5 metres (566 feet) in February 2026.

This image shows the then unfinished nave as it was in 2008.