Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia basilica now has a revised completion date set for 2026, marking 144 years since the laying of its first stone. The president of the organization responsible for finishing Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece announced this date, which coincides with the centenary of the architect’s death.
Esteve Camps confirmed that they possess the necessary funds and materials to finalize the construction, including the monumental 172.5-meter central tower dedicated to Jesus Christ, which will make the Sagrada Familia the tallest building in Barcelona.
Despite the projected completion by 2026, ongoing work on sculptures, decorative elements, and notably, the contentious stairway leading to the future main entrance, is anticipated to continue until 2034. When construction commenced in 1882, the site was rural farmland, but urban development has since surrounded the church. The construction of the stairway, spanning two city blocks, would necessitate the displacement of approximately 1,000 families and businesses.
While some scholars of Gaudí’s work debate its inclusion, Camps asserts that the stairway was always part of the architect’s vision. He emphasized fidelity to Gaudí’s plans, as outlined in documents presented to local authorities in 1915, signed by Gaudí himself. Camps stated ongoing discussions with Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, regarding the plan, acknowledging the authority’s final decision-making power.
The Sagrada Familia’s history is marked by challenges such as war, neglect, and financial difficulties. The recent Covid-19 pandemic halted construction for two years. Initially, funding relied solely on donations, often unpredictable, leading many to doubt the project’s completion. Over time, tourism has provided consistent revenue, with nearly 5 million annual visitors generating significant income, though the allocation of funds beyond construction remains undisclosed.
During the Spanish Civil War in 1936, anarchists damaged the crypt and destroyed Gaudí’s workshop and plaster models. However, architect Lluís Bonet i Garí salvaged the fragments, and Gaudí’s models were reconstructed. Technical challenges were resolved by architect Mark Burry using aerospace software.
While now considered a marvel, opinions on the Sagrada Familia have varied. Salvador Dalí praised its “terrifying and edible beauty,” contrasting with George Orwell’s critique, who once deemed it “one of the most hideous buildings in the world” and lamented the missed opportunity to destroy it during the war.
