The Sagrada Familia outlined in a press conference the current status of work on the Temple and the next stages of its construction, centered on the completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ and the Chapel of the Assumption. A few months away from the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death, the basilica also announced the main initiatives that will be organized to remember the architect, as part of the joint plan promoted by the Gaudí Council.
Esteve Camps, Executive President of the Junta Constructora del Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, outlined the preparations for 2026, a year that will see an extensive agenda of events, already presented by the Gaudí Council on May 27, 2025. There are two main objectives: on the one hand, to celebrate the centenary of Gaudí’s death with individual and shared initiatives between institutions; on the other hand, to enhance his figure from a scientific, artistic, academic and innovative perspective.
The events will begin on Oct. 14, 2025 with the inauguration of the academic year at the Ateneu Universitari Sant Pacià and a solemn mass followed by a lecture by the Sagrada Família’s chief architect Jordi Faulí. On Nov. 30, the Barnabas Tower, the only one completed when Gaudí was still alive, will be illuminated and an official manifesto will be read. In March, on the Feast of St. Joseph, a concert is planned in the nave with the participation of the Orfeó Català (Catalan Choral Society) to commemorate the laying of the Temple’s foundation stone, followed by a solemn mass.
Highlights include the liturgical celebration on June 10, the anniversary of Gaudí’s death, and the long-awaited inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ. The celebrations will conclude with the lighting of the Nativity façade, as a tribute to the future and the legacy left by the Catalan genius. International events are also planned, such as the World Congress of Architects, the presentation of the Tour de France teams, and various exhibitions around the city dedicated to the history and significance of the Sagrada Família.
Jordi Faulí outlined the progress of the construction site. One of the priorities in this final phase is the completion of the tower of Jesus Christ. Work is already underway to assemble the large sections that will form the cross: the lower part is ready and will be placed in the coming weeks along with the first of the four arms. Each element is being prepared with decorative glass and details installed directly at height of 54 meters.
Work continues in parallel on the facades of the Chapel of the Assumption and the creation of the sculptures for the same Chapel, entrusted to three artists selected through competition: Mercè Riba, Béatrice Bizot and Teresa Riba. The vertical construction of the façade of the Gloria, destined to become the main entrance to the basilica, also began in June.
The General Director of the Sagrada Família, Xavier Martínez, clarified that the events planned for 2026 will be made possible through donations and collaborations. However, the Junta Constructora’s top priority remains the completion of the basilica, a goal to which all major resources are being devoted.
In celebration of Mercè, Barcelona’s main holiday, the Sagrada Família will open its doors to citizens on September 19, 20, 21 and 24. The initiative will allow 20,000 residents to visit the basilica free of charge and observe the progress of the work. On display this year will be one of the bas-relief sculptural works intended for the Chapel of the Assumption, depicting the Marriage at Cana, which is currently kept at the materials site.
All details and updates are available on the official website: sagradafamilia2026.org
 |
| Sagrada Familia, status of work illustrated. Many events in 2026 to mark the centenary of Gaudí's death |
Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.
