After 144 years of construction, Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, has a definitive completion date. The organization overseeing the basilica’s construction announced that the iconic structure is slated to be finished in 2026. This momentous year marks the centenary of Gaudí’s death, adding a layer of poignant significance to the La Sagrada Familia Finish Date.
Esteve Camps, president of the organization, confirmed that sufficient funding and materials are in place to complete the building. This includes the ambitious 172.5-meter central tower dedicated to Jesus Christ, which will officially make the Sagrada Familia Barcelona’s tallest building, a testament to Gaudí’s vision and architectural prowess.
While the main structure is on track for completion by 2026, the ambitious project extends beyond mere bricks and mortar. Work on the intricate sculptures and decorative elements will continue. Furthermore, the controversial stairway leading to what is intended to be the main entrance is projected to extend the overall project timeline until 2034. This phase of the project is generating significant debate and discussion within Barcelona.
The Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona’s Eixample district, showcasing the ongoing construction and urban integration, with a focus on its scale and architectural grandeur.
Originally conceived in 1882, the Sagrada Familia’s location was once open farmland. Over the decades, Barcelona has expanded and enveloped the basilica, making the planned stairway a particularly contentious issue. The proposed stairway, as envisioned in Gaudí’s original plans, would span across two city blocks, potentially displacing approximately 1,000 families and businesses.
Despite some scholarly debate, Camps firmly asserts the stairway’s inclusion in Gaudí’s original design. “We are following Gaudí’s plan to the letter,” he stated, emphasizing their commitment to the architect’s vision. He referenced a 1915 plan signed by Gaudí which included the stairway. Discussions are reportedly underway with Barcelona’s Mayor, Jaume Collboni, as the local authority holds the ultimate decision-making power regarding the stairway’s construction. The timeline for this decision remains uncertain.
The Sagrada Familia’s journey to completion has been far from straightforward. Throughout its history, the 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 work, adding another layer of complexity to the already protracted timeline of the Sagrada Familia finish date.
In its early years, funding for the basilica relied solely on donations, primarily from penitents. This unpredictable income stream led many to doubt whether the Sagrada Familia would ever be completed. The Catalan poet Joan Maragall poetically described it as “the poetry of architecture … a temple that will never be finished, that is constantly becoming,” capturing the seemingly perpetual state of construction.
However, the advent of mass tourism dramatically altered the financial landscape. Today, tourism provides a consistent and substantial income. Nearly 5 million annual visitors, each paying between €25 and €40, contribute significantly to the project’s funding. Slightly over half of the €125 million generated annually from tourism is allocated to the ongoing construction. The exact allocation of the remaining funds remains undisclosed, as the church is not obligated to publicly release its financial records.
A devastating 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 that Gaudí created to guide future generations of architects. Architect Lluís Bonet i Garí heroically salvaged fragments of these models, which were subsequently painstakingly reassembled. Later, New Zealand architect Mark Burry utilized aeronautical software to resolve many of the intricate technical challenges inherent in realizing Gaudí’s complex designs, bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.
The Sagrada Familia’s architectural significance is widely recognized, often cited as one of the modern wonders of the world. However, its aesthetic reception has been varied throughout history. Salvador Dalí famously described its beauty as “terrifying and edible,” a testament to its unique and awe-inspiring nature. In stark contrast, George Orwell famously deemed it “one of the most hideous buildings in the world,” even expressing a sardonic view that the anarchists missed an opportunity by not destroying it. Despite differing opinions, the Sagrada Familia’s cultural impact is undeniable.
The announcement of the la Sagrada Familia finish date in 2026 marks a pivotal moment in architectural history. While the completion of the main structure is within sight, the ongoing work on decorative elements and the resolution of the stairway controversy ensure that the Sagrada Familia will remain a subject of fascination and discussion for years to come, continuing to evolve and inspire as a testament to Gaudí’s enduring legacy.
