The construction of the Sagrada Família temple will enter its final phase this year, builders said

Barcelona - The construction of the Barcelona basilica Sagrada Família will enter its final phase this year. Representatives of the company organizing the completion of the famous monument stated this at a press conference on Thursday. This year marks the beginning of the construction of the main façade, which is expected to be completed within ten years. This will conclude the construction of the basic architectural structure of the temple after 150 years, writes the EFE agency.

This year, the construction organizers plan to complete the tower of Jesus Christ, which, at 172 meters, will be the highest landmark of the basilica. However, they intend to ceremonially open it only next year, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of architect Antoni Gaudí, who devised the basilica's project.

This year, the construction company wants to start building the so-called Glory Facade, which is among the most controversial parts of the project. The monumental staircase, if realized according to Gaudí's plan, would require the demolition of several houses in the vicinity. The organization has not yet received a building permit for the entire project, although it hopes to do so within a few weeks. "It is Gaudí's work, and we are his heirs, and we have a duty to oversee the implementation of the entire project,” said the chairman of the organization Esteve Camps. He added that he is open to dialogue with city representatives.

The Glory Facade is intended to become the main entrance to the temple and is also the final phase of the basilica's construction. "The construction of the basilica could be completed within ten years,” Camps stated. According to him, the timeline pertains to the architectural structure. The completion of the rich decoration, which includes a hundred sculptures, will likely extend beyond 2035.

Although the basilica is unfinished, it is one of the main tourist attractions in Barcelona. Last year, it was visited by 4.83 million people, which is about three percent more than in 2023. However, according to Camps, the temple is at the limit of its capacity. Foreigners dominate among the visitors, with Spaniards accounting for less than 13 percent.

Visitors are crucial for financing the construction of the temple. Money collected from them constituted 97 percent of the revenues of the company responsible for the construction. Last year, the company raised 133 million euros (3.33 billion crowns) and spent 45 million euros on the construction of the temple. This year, it plans construction expenses of 60 million euros.