The Sagrada Familia finally has a completion date. Antoni Gaudi’s visual wonder is expected to be completed by 2026.
The Sagrada Familia, one of Barcelona’s most famous attractions, has declared that its construction is expected to be finished in 2026.
Construction on the Sagrada has been going on for over 140 years, with the project being initially designed in 1882 by Francisco de Paula del Villar. The project was eventually transferred to architect Antoni Gaudi, whose creative vision made the Sagrada Familia what it is today.
Gaudi’s Vision
Gaudi’s design for the Sagrada features eighteen spires. Each one represents someone important to the life of Jesus Christ. Jesus’s twelve disciples, the four evangelists, Mother Mary, and Jesus himself. The spires fall in ascending order, with the one designated for Jesus being the tallest.
Gaudi designed the church to have three facades that make up the face of the building. The Nativity facade faces east and is dedicated to the birth of Jesus.
It was the first facade to be completed and features a sculpture of a choir of baby angels.
The Passion façade is dedicated to Jesus’ suffering and impresses visitors with its simplistic, crude design.
The last, and quite possibly most spectacular, facade is dedicated to the celestial glory of Jesus, aptly titled the Glory Facade.
140 years in the Making
While an architectural marvel, the Sagrada Familia has faced several setbacks over the years, hindering efforts to complete construction. The first setback came with the death of the lead architect and Sagrada’s visionary, Antoni Gaudi, in 1926. Thankfully, Gaudi left behind detailed plans and models to help his work carry on after his death.
Subsequently, following the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936, several of Gaudi’s models were destroyed in the chaos. Once again, this caused delays in the construction of this important project.
A global pandemic struck in 2020, affecting millions of people around the globe and impeding the Sagrada Familia’s completion even further.
Controversy
The Sagrada Familia has been a staple of Spain for over 100 years. It is revered by many and was even designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Moreover, the church was consecrated by the acting Pope in 2010, at which point it was declared a minor basilica.
While many are happy that this beloved church is finally nearing completion, this does not mean the Sagrada has been without any controversy.
Architectural plans for the church’s construction call for a large stairway to be built at the main entrance. Those involved in the project say these plans are a part of Gaudi’s original idea for the Sagrada.
Some are concerned, however, with what this new stairway will mean for local communities. More than a thousand families will be displaced while this portion of the church is being constructed. It is also likely that thousands of neighboring apartment buildings will need to be demolished.
Local protest groups are intent on stopping the stairway’s construction, believing it was never part of Gaudi’s original plans, as previously stated.
Next Steps
While the Sagrada Familia has announced its potential completion date as 2026, not all areas under construction will be completed by then.
The Chapel of the Assumption is scheduled to be finished in 2025, with the Tower of Jesus following in 2026. This completes construction on the building itself. However, some parts of the church may not be finished until much later.
Sculptures, decorations, and, most importantly, the stairway of the main entrance have yet to be completed.
But even with these missing pieces, the Sagrada Familia will continue to make history.
When finished, the Tower of Jesus will make the Sagrada Familia the world’s highest church, standing at 566 feet. This surpasses the Ulm Minster in Germany, which currently has a spire standing at 530 feet.
