basilica

Gaudí - who has been dubbed by some as "God's architect" - is the designer of one of Spain's most famous religious sites and tourist attractions, the unfinished Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona.

The excavation has so far revealed sections of stone wall that formed the base of the basilica, which would have been two-and-a-half storeys high.

Archaeologists have found a substantial piece of the ancient city's first basilica - a 2,000 year old public building where major political, economic and administrative decisions were made.

Just weeks earlier, Sunday Mass had been interrupted by chants from the altar of the basilica.

The event also kicks off the final seven-month dash of preparations and public works projects to be completed by Dec. 24, when Francis opens the basilica’s Holy Door and formally inaugurates the Jubilee.