Barcelona  - Barcelona's Sagrada Familia church, which is one of Spain's most famous landmarks despite its unfinished state, will start hosting religious events in
2010, chief architect Jordi Bonet said Thursday.

Bonet said he expected construction work on the interior of the Catholic basilica to be finished by September 2010.

Designed by legendary Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926), the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) draws millions of visitors annually to marvel over its three grand facades, sculptures mingling religious images with natural forms, and spindle-shaped towers.

The interior of the basilica, however, had long resembled a construction site.

Begun in 1882, the construction of the Sagrada Familia was interrupted several times for a variety of reasons including Spain's 1936-39 civil war, and lack of funding.

Construction of the church, which Gaudi wanted to turn into a temple for all of humanity, is funded by private donations and tourism income. (dpa)