Barcelona’s majestic Sagrada Familia will have to wait a few more years to complete its impressive transformation. Although work was originally expected to be completed in 2026, coinciding with the centenary of the death of the genius architect Antonio Gaudí, recent reports reveal that this deadline has been extended to 2033.
The temple, designed by Gaudí and which has been under construction since 1882, is a symbol not only of Barcelona but also of architectural genius. The Tower of Jesus Christ, which will be the highlight of the basilica at an imposing 172.50 meters high, is a key part of the project and was expected to be completed by 2026.
However, according to temple sources, the deadline has been extended by seven years due to the disruption of construction deadlines caused by the Covid-19 health crisis and inflation.
Delay in the Sagrada Família construction work
Despite these setbacks, sources insist that completing the tower by 2026 remains a realistic target, provided there are no further unforeseen events. Work is currently underway on the prototype of the cross and the ten-year period is considered an estimate based on construction permits.
This extended deadline is mainly linked to the architectural work on the Gloria façade. After this phase, there will still be the sculptural part and the staircase on Mallorca Street, although a start date for these works has not yet been set.
The Construction Board of the Sagrada Familia church has indicated that this delay is due to the health crisis and inflation, which have had a significant impact on construction deadlines. If the works are finally completed in 2033, the Sagrada Familia will celebrate its completion 150 years after Antoni Gaudí took on the basilica project.
The nearest and most likely goal to be achieved
Esteve Camps, president delegate of the Construction Board, has expressed that they are working with the goal of completing the Jesus Christ Tower in 2026, the date originally planned before the inconveniences caused by the pandemic.
Camps mentioned that “finishing the tower in 2026 is a realistic goal, provided there are no setbacks” and added that work on the cross prototype is already underway.
If construction can be completed by 2033, the Sagrada Familia could be finished 150 years after architect Antoni Gaudí commissioned the basilica project.
And while the wait drags on until 2033, the Sagrada Familia stands firm as an imposing cultural and architectural structure that perfectly embodies the vision and genius of Antoni Gaudí.
