Sagrada Familia finally receives a building permit

Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's masterpiece church, has finally received a formal building permit since the beginning of its construction back in 1882.

The temple is an incomplete Roman Catholic Church located in Barcelona, Spain and it consists the most-visited monument in the country. It was designed by the charismatic architect Antoni Gaudi, seven of whose designs have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. He devoted a large part of his life in order to accomplish the magnificent temple until his death in 1926. The construction combines elements of Art Nouveau, Catalan Modernism and Spanish Late Gothic design.

It is estimated that the current building progress is about 70% of Gaudi's initial conception. 

Sagrada Familia receives more than 4.5 million visitors inside while 20 million more stand outside to admire its impressive bell towers. 

Back in 1885, Gaudi asked for a building permission from the city council of "Sant Martí de Provençals", but never received an official response. Authorities had not discovered the lack of a permit until 2016. According to recent information, Barcelona city hall has resolved the issue and is now providing a work permit for Sagrada Familia until 2026. Officials stated that a fund has secured the $5.2 million permit allowing the builders to finish the church that will reach a height of 172.5 meters and a surface area of 41,000 m².

Gaudi wanted to build 12 bell towers, one for each Jesus's disciples, but the accomplishment of this project is doubtful.

Sources: Cnn.com, Guardian.com, Theculturetrip.com