**Christodoulides Attends Sagrada Família Inauguration in Barcelona as EU Council Presidency Head**
Barcelona, Spain – President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus traveled to Barcelona on June 10, 2026, to participate in the inauguration ceremony of the Sagrada Família, one of the most iconic basilicas in the world. His attendance was in his official capacity as the head of the country holding the rotating presidency of the European Union Council.
The event, which drew a significant number of dignitaries, including heads of state and government officials, was organized by the Spanish government. The inauguration is particularly notable as it coincides with the centenary of the death of the basilica's renowned architect, Antoni Gaudí, whose vision and artistry have made the Sagrada Família a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Barcelona.
A highlight of the ceremony will be a solemn mass celebrated by Pope Leo, who is expected to bestow an official blessing on the newly completed tower of the basilica. This addition marks a significant milestone in the long history of the Sagrada Família, which has been under construction since 1882 and is not yet fully completed.
Following the inauguration, President Christodoulides is scheduled to attend an exhibition titled “Picasso and Cyprus: Encounters with the Ceramics of the Mediterranean” at the Picasso Museum. This exhibition is part of the cultural program associated with Cyprus's EU Council Presidency, aiming to promote cultural exchange and collaboration among member states.
After the exhibition, President Christodoulides will return to Cyprus, concluding his brief trip to Spain. The events in Barcelona underscore the importance of cultural heritage and international cooperation within the framework of the European Union.
This visit comes at a time when Cyprus is actively engaging in various cultural and political initiatives as part of its presidency, highlighting the island's commitment to fostering unity and collaboration among EU member states.