Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia basilica has officially announced its completion date as 2026, marking the culmination of 144 years of construction since the laying of its first stone. This monumental achievement was declared last Wednesday by the president of the organization overseeing the project, coinciding with the centenary of the death of Antoni Gaudí, the basilica’s visionary architect.
Esteve Camps, in his announcement, confirmed that sufficient funds and materials are secured to finalize the building. This includes the ambitious 172.5-meter central tower dedicated to Jesus Christ, which upon completion will establish the Sagrada Familia as Barcelona’s tallest structure, a testament to Gaudí’s grand vision and the city’s architectural ambition.
While the main structure is slated for completion by 2026, the intricate work of adding sculptures and decorative elements will extend until 2034. Furthermore, the controversial stairway leading to what will eventually serve as the main entrance is also scheduled for completion by this later date. This element has sparked debate and discussion within Barcelona, adding another layer of complexity to the final stages of this historic project.
The Sagrada Familia’s journey began in 1882 on what was then open farmland. Over the decades, Barcelona has expanded dramatically, enveloping the basilica within its urban landscape. The proposed stairway, a significant feature of Gaudí’s design, is planned to stretch across two city blocks. Its construction would necessitate the relocation of approximately 1,000 families and businesses, raising concerns and sparking controversy among residents and city planners alike.
Despite some dissenting voices among Gaudí scholars, Camps firmly asserts that the stairway was an integral component of Gaudí’s original architectural blueprint. “We are rigorously adhering to Gaudí’s plan,” he stated. “We are his successors, and we cannot deviate from his intended project. The plan submitted to local authorities in 1915, bearing Gaudí’s signature, explicitly includes the stairway.” He further mentioned ongoing dialogues with Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, acknowledging that the local authority holds the ultimate decision-making power regarding the stairway’s implementation. “I cannot predict when a decision will be reached,” Camps admitted, highlighting the ongoing nature of these crucial discussions.
Throughout its extensive construction period, the Sagrada Familia has faced numerous obstacles, including periods of war, neglect, and financial instability. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a two-year suspension of construction activities, adding to the delays and challenges encountered over the years.
In its early days, funding for the Sagrada Familia was intended to come solely from donations, relying on contributions from penitent individuals. This donation-dependent model resulted in unpredictable cash flow, leading many to doubt whether the basilica would ever be completed. The Catalan poet Joan Maragall poetically described the basilica as “the poetry of architecture … a temple that will never be finished, that is constantly becoming,” reflecting the long and uncertain construction timeline.
However, the rise of mass tourism has transformed the Sagrada Familia’s financial landscape. Today, tourism provides a consistent and substantial income stream, with nearly 5 million visitors annually paying between €25 and €40 per visit. Slightly over half of the €125 million generated from ticket sales is directly allocated to funding the ongoing construction work. The allocation of the remaining funds remains undisclosed, as the church is not obligated to publicly release its financial records, adding an element of mystery to its financial operations.
A significant setback occurred in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War when anarchists set fire to the crypt and destroyed Gaudí’s workshop. This act of destruction included the plaster models meticulously crafted by Gaudí to guide future architects in completing his vision. Architect Lluís Bonet i Garí played a crucial role in rescuing fragments of these models, and Gaudí’s designs were painstakingly reassembled. Later, New Zealand architect Mark Burry utilized aeronautical software to resolve many of the technical challenges inherent in realizing Gaudí’s complex design, showcasing the blend of historical artistry and modern technology in the basilica’s construction.
The Sagrada Familia is widely celebrated as one of the modern wonders of the world. Yet, it has also drawn contrasting opinions throughout its history. Salvador Dalí famously described its aesthetic as exhibiting “terrifying and edible beauty,” capturing its unique and somewhat unsettling grandeur. In stark contrast, George Orwell deemed it “one of the most hideous buildings in the world,” even remarking that the anarchists missed an opportunity by not destroying it completely during the Civil War. These divergent viewpoints underscore the basilica’s polarizing nature and its capacity to evoke strong reactions, solidifying its place as a truly unique and globally significant architectural monument.
