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.

 

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Further information:

• Gaudí's Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona evacuated as arsonist strikes (Guardian)