After 144 years, the construction of the Sagrada Familia, the monumental basilica by Antonio Gaudi, finally seems to be completed in 2026 – or at least for the time being. The organization responsible for the building writes on its website:”… the beginning of the final stage of construction kicked off with the completion of the towers of the Evangelists (November 2023) and work is currently under way on the Chapel of the Assumption and the tower of Jesus Christ. The Chapel of the Assumption is expected to be finished in 2025 and the tower of Jesus Christ, in 2026.” However, Gaudi himself, who took over the project at an early stage in 1883, never lived to see more than the Bell Tower, which was completed in 1925 and is dedicated to the apostle Barnabas. Since then, the basilica has been gradually rebuilt according to Gaudi’s plans.
© Shutterstock (linked with archdaily)
The Sagrada Família is a one-of-a-kind temple, for its origins, foundation and purpose. Fruit of the work of genius architect Antonio Gaudí, the project was promoted by the people for the people. Five generations now have watched the Temple progress in Barcelona. It is one of Barcelona’s most important sights and contributes significantly to the city’s tourism.
Courtesy of Sagrada Familia (linked with archdaily)
The online magazine archdaily has reported in detail on the current status of the project under the title “Barcelona’s Iconic Sagrada Famili On Track to be Completed in 2026.»: “Officials have just confirmed that Antonio Gaudi’s iconic Sagrada Família’s final stage of construction has commenced, on track to be completed in 2026, 144 years after its establishment. … The towering 172.5-meter central spire is included in the project, planned to stand as the tallest edifice in Barcelona, Spain.”
Courtesy of Expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Familia / The Passion (linked with archdaily)
However, the question of whether a monumental stone staircase allegedly still planned by Gaudi actually completes the building is actually the subject of heated debate. archdaily writes that the president of the organization responsible for implementing the original master plan, Esteve Camps, argues that this was a crucial part of Gaudí’s plan. According to The Guardian, Camps said: “We are following Gaudí’s plan to the letter. We are his heirs and we cannot renounce his project. The plan submitted to the city council in 1915, signed by Gaudí, includes the staircase”. The proposed staircase would extend over two large blocks and would require the relocation of around 1,000 houses and businesses. However, experts’ opinions differ on the authenticity of these plans. And so the question remains as to whether the monumental structure will actually be completed in 2026 or whether it will be years before it can be said to be finished.
