141 years and counting: Why is it taking so long to build Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia?

Times of IndiaTIMESOFINDIA.COM/TRAVEL TRENDS, SPAIN/ Created : Jan 15, 2024, 01:00 IST

141 years and counting: Why is it taking so long to build Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia?

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141 years and counting: Why is it taking so long to build Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia?

As the saying goes, Rome wasn't built in a day, the same can be said for Spain's iconic Sagrada Familia. In reality, this Spanish basilica is considered one of Barcelona's most prominent tourist attractions, and has been undergoing a construction process lasting over 140 years.

The completion of the five central towers of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia recently marked a significant milestone in the prolonged construction of this grand cathedral. Initiated in 1882, the construction of this iconic basilica has faced numerous delays, with the most recent setback occurring in 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

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The Sagrada Familia, often considered as one of Barcelona's most prominent tourist attractions, has taken over 140 years to reach its current state. Surprisingly, it is not yet complete; it’s likely that the final touches will be completed by 2026, which will coincide with the 100th death anniversary of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, the visionary behind the church's design. Gaudí, known for his devotion, once remarked, "My client is not in a hurry," referring to his perception of God's timeless perspective.

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As the cathedral nears completion, achieving the crowning of five of its six towers, each dedicated to one of the four evangelists, brings it one step closer to fulfilment. Sculptural additions representing Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John adorn the towers, designed by sculptor Xavier Medina-Campeny.

The final tower, symbolising Jesus Christ, is projected to stand at an impressive height of 172.5 m and will be capped with a 17 m tall four-armed cross, adding to the architectural splendour of the Sagrada Familia.

Understanding why it's taking so long

Understanding why the construction continued for more than 141 years will require a little bit of digging into its complex history. The first significant delay occurred in 1926 when Gaudí tragically passed away, having seen only a quarter of the construction completed. His meticulously detailed 3D models, however, ensured that his grand plans could be realised posthumously.

Further setbacks unfolded during the Spanish Civil War in 1936, when anarchists damaged Gaudí's office, destroying models and burning plans. The war claimed the lives of 12 individuals involved in the cathedral's construction, thereby halting progress until its conclusion in 1939.

The subsequent years, marked by Francisco Franco's dictatorship, saw changes in leadership and donation challenges.

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In 2007, the Sagrada Familia faced a potential hurdle when the Spanish Government proposed a high-speed rail network running beneath century-old foundations. Concerns about structural integrity were dispelled, allowing construction to proceed.

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However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a temporary halt, disrupting the timeline for completion. Although work resumed in October of the same year, uncertainties linger regarding the 2026 deadline, primarily due to a new challenge: constructing a staircase on the Gloria façade, which necessitates the demolition of around 3,000 houses. Residents are reluctant to vacate, claiming the staircase wasn't part of Gaudí's original plans.

What led to the building of this structure?

The Sagrada Familia's history traces back to 1874 when Josep Maria Bocabella i Verdaguer envisioned a temple devoted to the Holy Family in Barcelona. Francisco de Paula del Villar initiated plans in 1877, proposing a neo-Gothic structure.

However, Gaudí replaced him and faced controversy over his unique design, which some, like George Orwell, found hideous, while others saw it as a marvel, attracting millions of tourists annually.

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It can be said that the Sagrada Familia's journey, spanning over a century, is quite complex and has seen a lot of ups and downs.

And just like the other, we are also patiently waiting to see this structure complete and opening its doors for the public.