Sagrada Familia Inches Closer To Completion As Europe's Tallest Catholic Church

The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia is undoubtedly one of the most iconic tourist destinations in Barcelona. Originally conceptualized by Spanish architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, the project to build the tallest Christian church in Europe was taken over by architect Antoni Gaudi in 1883. However, even decades after his death in 1926, the Sagrada Familia remains incomplete, with construction work still ongoing. But now, the trajectory is set to change, with sources claiming that Antoni Gaudi's dream project will finally be completed in 2026, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of his death.

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When Did Sagrada Familia's Construction Start?

Diocesan architect Francisco de Paula del Villar took up the project in 1882. The church was planned to be built with an 18th-century theme in mind, featuring neo-Gothic elements: ogival windows, flying buttresses, and a pointed bell tower. However, the architect was replaced by Antoni Gaudi due to technical differences regarding the cost of materials. 

By 1885, the Chapel of Saint Joseph was inaugurated in the crypt, and the first masses were held. The Saint Barnabas bell tower on the Nativity facade was completed in 1925. After Antoni Gaudi's death, his disciple Domenec Sugranyes took the reins of the project the following year. Since then, several architects have been associated with the Sagrada Familia's development, building the structure slowly.

Photo Credit: Canva

Why Was Sagrada Familia's Construction Halted?

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic put a temporary stop to the half-completed Sagrada Familia. After nearly seven months, work resumed with a focus on constructing the Virgin Mary tower, the Basilica's second-tallest tower at 138 meters. 

In November, the star of the Virgin Mary was lifted by the Sagrada Familia, marking a historic moment and changing the Barcelona skyline for the better. The next month, the Virgin Mary Tower was inaugurated with a mass. 

As of 2023, the tower of the Virgin Mary, alongside five of the six central towers, has been completed, with the central tower of Jesus Christ scheduled to be completed this year.

How Sagrada Familia Will Look Now

According to Xavier Martine, the basilica's general director, the Tower of Jesus Christ will be completed in phases, either by late 2025 or early 2026. Standing at a towering height of 172 meters, it will surpass the 162 meters of the steeple at the Gothic-inspired Ulm Minster in southern Germany. 

As per the authorities of the Sagrada Familia, the cross will be installed at the top of the Tower of Jesus Christ. It will be surrounded by five other towers, one dedicated to the Virgin Mary and four smaller ones honoring the evangelists. The pieces that will form the core of the cross have already arrived at the construction site. This feature will comprise the center of the cross and house an interior staircase, allowing visitors to reach the top of the basilica. 

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Sagrada Familia's current construction manager, Esteve Camps, revealed that work on the facades and interior will continue for many years. The goal is to finish the overall construction within the next ten years.