Sagrada Familia church finally gets building permit after 137 years

One of Barcelona's most iconic landmarks, the Sagrada Familia church, has finally been granted a building permit 137 years since the first stone was laid down.

Despite decades of construction work taking place on the elaborate church designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, the unfinished building never had a license.

The church's Construction Board agreed to pay 4.6 million euros for the permit, as well as another 36 million euros to fund improvements to the Sagrada Família's surroundings.

The permit lasts for seven years, in which time it is hoped the building work on the church will be completed to coincide with the centenary of Gaudí's death in 2026.

According to the Barcelona deputy mayor in charge of urbanism, Janet Sanz, the granting of the licence brings an end to "a historical anomaly in our city."

One of Barcelona's top tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, some 4.5 million people visit the Sagrada Familia church each year.