The Sagrada Familia, one of Barcelona’s main tourist attractions, has managed to recover its pre-pandemic income despite the fact that its construction has not yet been completed.
The temple received almost 3.8 million visitors in 2022, an increase of 70% compared to the previous year, but still far from the 4.5 million visitors recorded in 2019.
However, revenues in 2022 amounted to €100.7 million, a figure similar to the €103 million recorded in 2019.
Of this income, 53.9 million was spent, of which 23 million was for the construction of the church. The remainder will be reserved for future construction.
On the other hand, of the total number of visitors who visited the Sagrada Familia in 2022, 82.5% were from outside Spain, with North Americans being the most frequent visitors, followed by the French and Italians.
However, it is missing the arrival of Chinese and Japanese tourism, which has not yet arrived in the city.
The works at La Sagrada Familia
The church’s construction board, which has overseen its construction since the death of architect Antoni Gaudí in 1926, has admitted that it is not yet possible to determine the year in which construction will be completed.
The work was originally scheduled for completion in 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudí’s death, but the pandemic has delayed these plans.
Currently, the Sagrada Familia is in the “home stretch” of construction, but the delegated president of the board, Esteve Camps, has acknowledged that it is not yet known when the work will be completed.
“If it is strengthened and the influx of visitors is maintained, the work will be able to follow the planned course,” Camps explained.
Estimated progress for 2023 – 2026
By 2023, the other two Evangelist towers are expected to be completed and three levels will be added to the Tower of Jesus Christ.
This tower is under construction and consists of two levels. With the addition of three more levels, the tower will offer a breathtaking view of the city of Barcelona from its highest level, located at 135 meters above sea level.
The long-term goal is to complete the main tower in 2026, but this will depend on several factors, such as the influx of visitors and the inflationary situation that has affected materials and services associated with construction.
In addition, the Sagrada Familia plans to negotiate with the Barcelona City Council the construction of a staircase on the main facade of the temple, a project that was left by Gaudí in the consistory.
Despite the fact that the City Council has agreed to pay 36 million euros for the construction of the temple, there are still some items to be applied related to infrastructure improvements in the Sagrada Familia’s surroundings.
