Barcelona's world-famous La Sagrada Familia basilica has finally been given a building permit 136 years construction the site began. The church has agreed to repay $41 million fees that date to 1882, which is when ground was first broken the building. City authorities have given the church a 10-year timeframe to pay the fees. Barcelona's mayor has hailed the deal as a historic agreement. She said the funds would be allotted to municipal projects that will improve the metro system, roads, public services and local neighbourhoods. A resident tweeted: "To improve the environment this majestic building is to improve the quality life for citizens and visitors as well as the image of Barcelona."
La Sagrada Familia was designed renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, a modernist artist who also designed many eye-catching, unique and eccentric buildings and parks Barcelona. The basilica is slated completion 2026, exactly 100 years Gaudi's death. Construction has continued on La Sagrada Familia over a century any inspections local authorities. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site 1985. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the church and proclaimed it a minor basilica, which is distinct a cathedral it not being the seat a bishop. It is now one Barcelona's top tourist attractions, attracting an estimated 20 million visitors a year.
