Japanese public broadcaster NHK has completed a new documentary chronicling the construction of the final tower of the iconic Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona, bringing to a close a remarkable 16-year television project that began in 2010.

The documentary follows the completion of the tower, unveiled earlier this month to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of celebrated architect Antoni Gaudí. The programme is scheduled to premiere in Japan on 28 June, with an international version expected to be released later.

Over the past 16 years, NHK has documented the progress of the basilica’s construction through a series of programmes, capturing major milestones including the completion of the Nativity Façade in 2015 and the Tower of the Virgin Mary in 2023. The latest documentary concludes this long-running effort, providing a comprehensive visual record of one of the world’s most ambitious architectural projects.

NHK was granted exclusive access to film the final stages of the tower’s construction. To showcase the scale and intricate details of the project, the broadcaster employed a range of advanced production techniques, including a specially developed 8K × 8K camera capable of capturing ultra-high-resolution footage from unique vantage points throughout the basilica.

According to NHK, the extensive archive created over the years represents a historically significant record of the ongoing construction of the world-famous landmark. Executive Producer Masumi Hoshino described the opportunity to document the final tower as both an honour and a responsibility, reflecting the cultural and historical importance of the project.