Arson damages Barcelona's Sagrada Familia basilica
April 20, 2011
Barcelona's famous Sagrada Familia basilica was severely damaged by fire on April 19 in an arson attack.
The basilica--the unfinished masterpiece of the architect Antoni Gaudi--was evacuated after a fire that began in the sacristy sent smoke billowing through the building. No serious injuries were reported.
Witnesses said that the fire began when a man entered the sacristy, splashed vestments with some flammable liquid, and set them ablaze.
The incident is one of several troubling attacks on Catholic churches in Spain in recent weeks.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!