Sagrada Familia in Barcelona updates Kyiv transliteration on stained glass
The Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona replaced a stained glass window to correct the spelling of Kyiv from the Russian-derived "Kiev" to the Ukrainian "Kíiv" following a campaign by the local Ukrainian community.
In Barcelona, Spain, the world-famous Sagrada Familia basilica has changed the transliteration of the name "Kyiv" on one of its stained glass windows. The alteration, which replaced the Russian-derived "Kiev" with the Ukrainian "Kíiv", was made in response to calls from the local Ukrainian community.
The new window was installed in early June to mark Kyiv Day. The old window was completely dismantled, and a new one was manufactured over approximately six weeks.
The change was initiated by the head of a Barcelona-based Ukrainian civil society organization. It received support from the President of the Parliament of Catalonia and the basilica’s team, with the Ukrainian Consulate General in Barcelona also involved.
Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it systematically works to correct Russian transliterations to correct Ukrainian ones in cities around the world and on geographical maps, and supports such initiatives by the Ukrainian community and friends of Ukraine.
This is part of a broader trend. About seven years ago, many prominent Western media outlets switched from "Kiev" to "Kyiv". The International Air Transport Association (IATA) also adopted the Ukrainian spelling. In February 2024, Germany's Federal Foreign Office announced a switch to the Ukrainian transcription "Kyjiw" instead of "Kiew".
