Today In History: March 19 1882

The temple was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, the year in which was completed inside 

On this day in 1882 Barcelona work began on the expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Familia. The original neo-Gothic project was the creation of the diocesan architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, but in 1883 the continuation of the project was carried out by Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí finished the crypt initially thought up by his predecessor but proposed a monumental new project that left the neo-Gothic style for another more personal and innovative modernist inspiration. The project consisted of a large church with a Latin cross and tall towers whose strong symbolism was reinforced with a profuse sculptural decoration. Gaudi worked on the Sagrada Familia until his death in 1926, but his project was respected and continued by his successors. The works are currently under the direction of Jordi Faulí Oller.

Here is a video showing what the finished cathedral will look like.

Visit their website to learn more: http://www.sagradafamilia.cat/sf-eng/