La Sagrada Familia- Will Its Construction Ever Be Completed?

Sagrada familia is an enormous under construction roman catholic church. It was designed by architect Antoni Gaudi in 1852. Since then many architects have worked on this structure. It is located in Barcelona, Spain. Its construction started in 1882 and is estimated to be completed be completed by 2032 with all ornamental and decorative work.

Why is it taking so much time to complete construction?

Yes, you read it right! The construction started 137 years ago and the work is still not complete. In 1882, the work began under the guidance of the architect Francisco de Paul der Villar. But after one year he resigned from the work. Antoni Gaudi took over with a different architectural and engineering sense. He added many unique Gothic and architectural elements. He devoted his life on this project and died in 1926.

Not even one- fourth of the work was completed when he died. But still the construction proceed slowly with the help of his drawings. The work was interrupted during Spanish Civil War. The rioters set fire in the church and destroyed all the drawings, original plans and models.

Present condition of the Church

Today with advancing technology the construction has taken its pace. Half of the project was completed by 2010. However, still the challenges remain; construction of huge spires is one of them. New construction work can easily be distinguished from old work, even if it is completely identical. Old construction has started to weather and is stained in comparison to new work.

Many new architects have been working on the project. The new designs have modern adaptations but still keeping the original ideas as same as possible. The original plan had total eighteen spires in different orders of height creating hierarchy in the structure. The tallest one refers to Jesus Christ. The construction is around 80 present complete.

What architect Antonio Gaudi actually wanted?

The architect actually believed that he is working for God and he is in no hurry to complete the building. He wanted the best for the church. Gaudi was not impressed by Gothic style of architecture and wanted the building to be architecturally perfect and have best engineering features to support huge conical and spherical structures on its own.

According to art critics, it is impossible to find an extraordinary church like anywhere in the history.

complete model of Sagrada Familia

How much money is spend on Sagrada Familia?

Because of the building's granduer structure it is almost impossible to estimate the actual cost ever spent on it. But currently, the annual cost of construction is over 25 million euros, which is mainly collected by the visitors and tourists of the renowned Church.

The construction cost might be high, but as long as the building is loved by tourists, it will constructed.