Construction of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia has surpassed 140 years since its groundbreaking in March 1882. The project remains one of history's longest-running architectural endeavors.
Key Construction Milestones
- 1882: Foundation work begins under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar.
- 1883: Antoni Gaudí assumes leadership, radically redesigning the structure.
- 1926: Gaudí dies with less than 25% completed; work continues intermittently.
- 1936-1939: Spanish Civil War halts construction; original plans and models are partially destroyed.
- 2010: Main nave consecrated and opened for worship services.
Factors Prolonging Construction
Multiple elements contribute to the extended timeline:
- Geometric complexity of Gaudí's organic design requiring custom computational modeling
- Exclusive reliance on private donations and visitor revenue
- Technical challenges of hand-carving stone elements for complex surfaces
- Construction interruptions during historical conflicts and funding shortages
Current Progress Outlook
The central towers' structural framework reached completion in 2022. Approximately 70% of construction is now finished. Pending factors include completion of:
- The Glory Façade (largest remaining section)
- Six additional main spires, including the 560-foot Jesus Christ spire
- Extensive internal and external decorative elements
Current projections indicate potential completion around 2026-2032, contingent on sustained funding and resolution of engineering complexities. The prolonged construction period has fundamentally shaped the building's execution methodology and funding structures.
