Barcelona’s historic Sagrada Familia Church has become victim of a suspected arson attack after flames began tearing through the building.

One thousand five hundred tourists were forced to evacuate the church after a man is believed to have began the fire, the authorities said.

Said to be a “disturbed man”, he was found with numerous lighters in his pocket.

The man was later arrested by police, although the Church which is still under construction after 100 years has some furnishings damaged.

Four men who were working on the construction were taken into an ambulance after smoke inhalation.

Tourists saw the smoke and raised the alarm, then were troubled to find the suspect emerge from the area.

The Church, designed by Antoni Gaudi, infamous for his designs throughout Barcelona, is said to be completed in 2026 to mark the 100 year anniversary if Gaudi’s death.

The Sagrada Familia Church was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI on the 7th November 2011, opening up the first mass since building began in 1882 in the main nave.

The fire lasted 45 minutes until it was put out by firefighters.

Reported by Claire Blackthorne.

Back to the Tripbase News Homepage