One hundred years ago, on June 7, 1926, the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí was struck by a tram from line 30 on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, between Bailèn and Girona streets. The artist, famous for the Sagrada Família, was taken to the Hospital de la Santa Creu, where he died three days later due to the severity of his injuries.

This Sunday, the City Council unveiled a plaque in memory of Gaudí, coinciding with the accident's centenary. At the time of the incident, Gaudí was on his way to the church of Sant Felip Neri to pray and meet his confessor. His dishevelled appearance and lack of identification led to him initially being mistaken for a homeless person.

A police officer stopped a taxi that took the architect to the hospital. As a result of the accident, Gaudí lost consciousness. At the hospital, he was identified by the priest of the Sagrada Família. Despite efforts, his injuries proved fatal. The funeral took place on June 12, with thousands of people bidding farewell to the architect, who was 73 years old. His body was interred in the crypt of the Sagrada Família.

The tribute, presided over by the deputy mayor and councillor for the Eixample district, Jordi Valls, aims to recognize Gaudí's figure "in his human and urban context," as stated by the City Council. Also in attendance were the Director General of Heritage of the Generalitat, Joaquim Borràs, and the commissioner of the Any Gaudí, Galdric Santana.

This act of recognition for the architect's human side coincides with a significant moment, three days before Pope Leo XIV's visit to the basilica and the inauguration of the tower of Jesus.