To finish the Sagrada Familia in 2026 would take a miracle

It will have to wait a few more years to see the Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, finally completed. In fact, the end of construction had been scheduled for 2026, the year in which the centennial of the famous architect’s death will be celebrated, but those in charge are giving in to the idea that only a miracle could put an end to the cathedral’s completion. Indeed, Esteve Camps, delegated president of the Construction Council, announced these days that “unless a miracle happens, the work cannot be finished in 2026 as had been planned.” This is because of the lack of visitors, mainly foreigners (94 percent of the total). Last year, 4.5 million people visited the Sagrada Familia, and this year it was expected to have revenues of 103 million euros. Instead, Camps said 2020 will bring a budget of only 17 million euros. “I want to remember that this building was made with donations from people,” he added. “There have been worse times; work was interrupted during the civil war, but then Gaudi’s project always continued. And now it will not be an exception. We will maintain our commitment and enthusiasm. The cathedral will be finished.” He also announced that in November he will promote a donation campaign aimed at citizens.

However, the María tower, the second tallest of the Sagrada Familia, an impressive 138 meters high, is expected to be finished in 2021. The tower will be topped by a 12-pointed steel and glass cross that will be illuminated at night.

In July 2019, according to Camps’ statement, a daily average of 15600 tourists had been reached, while this year, in the whole month, only 2000. If 3000 visits per day had been exceeded, the Sagrada Familia would have opened one more day per week, but “neither in July, nor in August, nor in September, did we exceed 2000 visitors, so it is not possible.”

To finish the Sagrada Familia in 2026 would take a miracle

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