World News for Students of English

29-04-2026 07:00

The Sagrada Família in Barcelona is now the tallest church in the world after 144 years of construction. Workers recently placed a large cross on top of the central tower, which stands over 172 meters high.

This famous building follows the unique vision of architect Antoni Gaudí, who wanted to create a Bible in stone. Millions of people visit the site every year to see the beautiful light and complex design. While the main structure is almost complete, a new phase of building causes a large debate in the city. There are plans to build a monumental staircase and a park in front of the main entrance. Experts argue about whether Gaudí really defined these plans in his original work.

This next step focuses on how the building connects to the modern city around it. Residents are very worried about these future developments. To build the new staircase, the city might need to demolish several blocks of residential houses. Many people fear they will lose their homes and their identity in the neighborhood. City officials and neighbors are now in a difficult negotiation to find a solution that protects the people living in the shadow of the church.

Difficult words: complex (having many different parts that are connected in a difficult way), monumental (very big, impressive, and important), demolish (to destroy a building).

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