La Sagrada Familia: A Timeless Masterpiece in Barcelona
They say everything worthwhile takes time, and that’s certainly true in the case of Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia, one of the longest-running construction projects ever. However, the end is in sight, and we finally have a projected completion date for the city’s crowning glory: 2026.
Designed by Antoni Gaudí, La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona’s top attraction, has remained a work in progress since 1882. It is now projected to be ready in 2026, a remarkable 144 years after construction began. This completion will coincide with the centenary of Gaudí’s passing.
Esteve Camps, president of the cathedral’s construction board, stated that the board has the budget needed to complete the project, especially as increased visitor numbers post-pandemic have bolstered ticket sales.
The last piece of the puzzle is the construction of the Tower of Jesus, one of the cathedral’s 18 towers. When it’s completed in 2026, it will soar to 172 meters, crowning La Sagrada Familia as the world’s tallest church and marking the end of a long construction journey.
What is the Controversial Entranceway?
A faithful construction of Gaudí’s original design includes a massive entranceway, necessitating the demolition of almost two blocks. This includes local businesses and around 150 homes, thereby directly impacting approximately 3000 people. Camps argues that this entranceway is a crucial element of the original blueprint. However, as the city has expanded around the historic site, certain buildings must now be removed to uphold Gaudí’s design.
Moreover, Barcelona City Council has the final say on construction plans and has not yet decided on the entranceway’s fate.
Why has the Completion of La Sagrada Familia Taken So Long?
Gaudí set out to build a church that reflects three phases in the life of Jesus Christ: the nativity, the passion, and the glory. Unfortunately, the work halted when a tram accident claimed the architect’s life in 1926. Since then, a succession of architects has attempted to decipher his complex geometric designs and continue the project. Consequently, work halted several times, with parts of the church even destroyed during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. Funding was an issue for many years, but today, the construction is primarily financed through anonymous donations from around the globe and revenue from ticket sales. Now, the building stands as the most photographed piece of architecture in Barcelona.
What Makes La Sagrada Familia Special?
La Sagrada Familia is regarded as the most prominent example of Catalan modernism and the best-known work of Gaudí in a city adorned with his designs. The main facade and its crypts, where Gaudí himself is buried, are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Some liken its design to an underwater castle of coral or a masterpiece from science fiction, particularly the interiors, which resemble the inside of a spaceship. Others, however, critique its appearance, drawing comparisons to giant termite hills overlooking the city. George Orwell even labeled it “one of the most hideous buildings in the world” in his Spanish Civil War memoir, Homage to Catalonia.
Regardless of personal opinion, what is truly remarkable is that this cathedral was conceived in the late 19th century. This radical design concept starkly contrasts today’s architectural landscape filled with uniform glass and steel structures. It begs the question: Has anything as unique been created in recent times?
This article has explored the fascinating journey of La Sagrada Familia, a symbol of Barcelona’s cultural heritage and architectural innovation.
