Estimated to be completed by 2041, the Temple de la Sagrada Família is under construction since 1882. Two years after the foundation stone was laid, Gaudi took control of the project and devoted much of the remainder of his life to working on the building. At the time of his death only the Nativity Facade with one tower, the apse and the crypt were complete. Today visiting the building is visiting a building site - admission fees are paying for the completion of the church.

The church as designed will have eighteen towers, four on each facade, symbolising the twelve apostles and a massive central tower over the nave crossing symbolising Christ. The other five will sybolise the four evangelists and the Virgin Mary. The three major facades will depict: the Nativity; the Passion; and the Glory of Christ. The building will be 310 feet long by 197 feet wide. The central tower will be 560 feet high and the others will be over 329 feet. Finished it will seat 13,000 people.

Gaudi had taken much of his inspiration from nature. Notwithstanding the sinous forms and organic nature of the architectural detail, there are giant turtles supporting the columns on the Nativity Facade, and giant shells on the apse.

Work has continued over the years leaving the building with different colours from weathering and different sculptural treatments. Work on the Passion Facade started in 1954, and the nave was roofed over in 2000. The interior of the church is breathtaking in its size and design.