Sagrada Família Stained Glass in Barcelona Updates Kyiv's Spelling

City Name Corrected on Basilica’s Stained Glass

According to МЗС: At the Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona, the spelling of Ukraine's capital city on a stained glass window has been updated from Kiev to Kíiv. This change was spearheaded by the head of a local Ukrainian civil society organization, with backing from the Consulate of Ukraine in Barcelona, the President of the Parliament of Catalonia, and the basilica’s management team. The new window was installed in early June to coincide with Kyiv Day.

The previous panel, which bore the spelling Kiev, was completely removed. Crafting the replacement took roughly six weeks. The Sagrada Família’s stained glass program features hundreds of medallions representing dioceses, saints, and shrines. The iconographic plan was designed by Father Lluís Bonet i Armengol, while artist Joan Vila-Grau executed the glasswork over more than two decades. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has been actively working to replace Russian-based transliterations with proper Ukrainian ones.

Support from the Ukrainian Community

Widely endorsed by members of the Ukrainian community and local officials, this revision underscores the importance of accurate transliteration. It not only affirms Ukrainian identity but also raises global awareness about Ukraine. Such efforts can strengthen cultural ties between Ukraine and Spain while enhancing Ukraine’s international image.