The architect’s famous basilica has been under construction since work began…in 1882. The end date, set for 2026, still raises questions. Explanations.
The works will finishthey one day? The story begins in 1881, when Josep maria bocabellamandated by the “association of devotees of Saint Joseph”, acquires with money collected by alms a part of Barcelona. The goal : build a church dedicated to the Holy Family there. After several disagreements, the first architect, Francisco de Paula del Villarstop the project. Gaudi is then recommended. The project of the latter greatly increases the size of the church initially planned.
Several architects continue his legacy
While the works are launched, Antonio Gaudi realizes that he will never see his work completed during his lifetime. He then decides to raise significant but not very functional parts outside the temple to their maximum height, so that no one can modify the height he covets. He then leaves plans, before dying crushed by a tram in 1926. All Plans will burn during the civil war… Since then, several architects have continued Gaudi’s legacy. Since 1987, it’s Jordi Bonet I Armengol which drives the whole construction.
On Thursday, October 18, 2018, after 136 years of waiting, the consortium of the Sagrada Family and Barcelona City Council have signed an agreement so that the basilica will finally obtain a building permit. According to estimates, the work should be completed in 2026. However, this date was set before the coronavirus pandemic. Covid-19which forced the work to be stopped and the basilica to be closed.
On November 29, a monumental luminous star was installed at its summit. Measuring seven meters high and wide and weighing 5.5 tonnes, it was carefully placed using a crane, and should shine day and night, our colleagues said. A new step towards the conclusion of these decades of work.