Work began on Sagrada Familia, a Roman-Catholic church, in 1882, and it’s still ongoing. (2026 is the projected finish date.) Each year, over three million visitors come to see this beautiful landmark, whose name means Holy Family. The late Antoni Gaudi, considered one of Barcelona’s greatest architects, took over the construction in 1883. His efforts to avoid hard angles and straight lines in the structure make it feel like part of the natural world. Even the interior columns resemble trees in a forest, with pillars that divide at the top into “branches.”
Don’t miss: A guided tour. Expert guides will explain the history of Sagrada Familia and point out many often-missed details and symbols. Visit on a sunny day, if you can, when the sun streams in through the stained glass windows, filling the space with light and color.