Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia basilica has officially announced its completion date as 2026, marking 144 years since the laying of its first stone. This highly anticipated Sagrada Familia Finish Date was revealed last Wednesday by the president of the organization overseeing the construction of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece. The year 2026 holds additional significance as it coincides with the centenary of Gaudí’s death, adding a poignant layer to the long-awaited completion.
Esteve Camps, the president, confidently stated that the necessary funds and materials are secured to finalize the basilica. This includes the ambitious 172.5-meter central tower dedicated to Jesus Christ, which will proudly establish the Sagrada Familia as Barcelona’s tallest structure upon completion. While the main structure is slated for completion by the Sagrada Familia finish date of 2026, work on intricate sculptures and decorative elements is projected to continue until 2034. Furthermore, the controversial stairway leading to the grand main entrance is also expected to extend the overall project timeline.
Originally conceived in 1882, the Sagrada Familia’s location was initially open farmland. However, as Barcelona urbanized around it, the planned stairway has become a point of contention. Extending across two city blocks, its construction would necessitate the relocation of approximately 1,000 families and businesses. Despite the disruption, Camps maintains the stairway is integral to Gaudí’s original vision, a claim disputed by some Gaudí scholars. “We are following Gaudí’s plan to the letter,” Camps asserted, emphasizing a 1915 plan signed by Gaudí that includes the stairway. Discussions with Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni are ongoing, as the local authority holds the ultimate decision-making power regarding this contentious aspect of the Sagrada Familia finish date project.
Throughout its history, the Sagrada Familia project has faced numerous obstacles, including wars, periods of neglect, and financial instability. Most recently, the Covid-19 pandemic caused a two-year suspension of construction. Historically, funding relied solely on donations, described as contributions from “repentant sinners,” leading to unpredictable cash flow and widespread doubt about the project’s eventual completion. The basilica was once described by poet Joan Maragall as “a temple that will never be finished, that is constantly becoming.”
However, the advent of mass tourism transformed the financial landscape, providing a consistent revenue stream. With nearly 5 million annual visitors, each paying between €25-40, tourism generates a substantial €125 million annually. Just over half of this income is directly allocated to construction, while the allocation of the remaining funds remains undisclosed. During the Spanish Civil War in 1936, anarchists caused significant damage by setting fire to the crypt and destroying Gaudí’s workshop, including crucial plaster models. Architect Lluís Bonet i Garí painstakingly rescued fragments, and Gaudí’s models were meticulously reconstructed. Later, New Zealand architect Mark Burry utilized aeronautical software to resolve many technical challenges in realizing Gaudí’s complex designs.
The Sagrada Familia’s architectural significance is widely recognized, though historical opinions have been divided. Salvador Dalí famously described its “terrifying and edible beauty,” while George Orwell offered a starkly contrasting view, deeming it “one of the most hideous buildings in the world.” Despite varying critical opinions over the years, the impending Sagrada Familia finish date marks a monumental achievement, solidifying its place as a wonder of the modern world and a testament to Gaudí’s enduring vision.
