Mission Possible: After Over 140 years, the Construction of the Sagrada Familia In Spain Temple will Finally be Completed

The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, is scheduled to be completed by 2026, 144 years after the foundation stone of the monumental basilica was laid. This date coincides with the centenary of the architect's death, the Guardian reports.

The basilica is considered to be the longest construction project. Designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, who is buried in the church's crypt, the world-famous work of architecture is famous for its incompleteness.

Including the 172.5-metre-high central tower dedicated to Jesus Christ, the Sagrada Familia will be the tallest building in Barcelona.

Since its founding, the Sagrada Família has been plagued by war, neglect and lack of finance. More recently, the Covid pandemic led to a two-year hiatus in operations.

However, last November, the Spanish city of Barcelona celebrated the completion of the church's four towers. 

According to the La Sagrada Familia Foundation, the organisation that is building and preserving the church, the monument will be completed in two years, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudi's death.

Although the building is scheduled to be completed by 2026, work on the sculptures and decorative details, and above all the controversial staircase leading to what will eventually become the main entrance, is expected to last until 2034.

Construction work began in 1882, when the site was open farmland. However, in the following years, the city grew around the church. 

The controversial staircase, which is in the plan and will stretch across two large city blocks, involves the displacement of around 1,000 families and businesses.

While some Gaudí scholars deny this, Estev Kamps, chairman of the Building Council, insists that the staircase was always part of the architect's plan.

"We are following Gaudi's plan exactly," he said. 

"We are his heirs and we cannot abandon his project. The plan presented to the local authorities in 1915, which Gaudi signed, includes the staircase." 

He added that they are in talks with Barcelona Mayor Jaume Colboni about the plan, as the local authorities have the final say.