BREAKING: ZDF Studios has just announced it has secured international distribution rights for Season 4 of the acclaimed series “Ancient Superstructures,” focusing on the historic completion of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia. This new season is set to air in June 2023, coinciding with the centenary of the legendary architect Antoni Gaudí‘s death and the official inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ.
The producers have been granted exclusive access to film the placement of the final stone on the basilica’s main structure, marking a pivotal moment in a project that has spanned 144 years. Standing at 172.5 meters (565.9 feet), the Sagrada Familia will soon become the tallest church in the world, adding to its significance as a global architectural marvel.
Currently in production, Season 4 promises to deliver a unique blend of high-end CGI and rigorous scientific analysis. The series, produced by Pernel Media alongside RMC Découverte, Histoire, and SBS, has carved out a niche in the landmarks-and-history genre, utilizing advanced technology from satellite imagery to microscopic analysis.
This season will travel across multiple countries and eras, featuring episodes on Greece’s Acropolis of Athens, Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle, and France’s Pierrefonds Castle and the medieval city of Carcassonne. However, the marquee installment will undoubtedly be the Sagrada Familia, showcasing the culmination of a vision that began over a century ago.
Nikolas Huelbusch, director of unscripted at ZDF Studios, emphasized the significance of capturing this milestone, stating, “This franchise has consistently set the gold standard for factual programming.” He added, “Being able to capture the historic completion of the Sagrada Familia — a project 144 years in the making — is a testament to the series’ relevance.”
The Sagrada Familia’s completion is not just an architectural achievement; it represents a monumental cultural event. The ongoing construction is expected to be completed in 2026, with further decorative work anticipated to continue until 2034. This timeline provides viewers with an unparalleled front-row seat to one of Europe’s most ambitious long-term builds.
Pernel Media executive producer Fabrice Frank remarked, “Our mission has always been to reveal the ‘invisible’ secrets of these marvels through cutting-edge technology. With Season 4, we are taking this to a new level.”
The decision underscores ZDF Studios’ role as a global distributor and co-production partner within the commercial arm of the German public broadcaster, while Pernel Media continues to expand its international programming slate.
As viewers anticipate the release, the completion of the Sagrada Familia stands as a powerful reminder of human ingenuity and perseverance. Stay tuned for more updates on this landmark series, which is sure to captivate audiences around the world.
