The story behind the majestic Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona, Spain, is as fascinating as it is incredible. As one of the largest churches in the world, it has been under construction for over 130 years and shows no signs of being completed in the near future. In this article, we will explore how long it has taken to build so far, what it will require to finish, the financial and historical context, and perspectives from experts.
Origins
Construction of the Basilica of the Sagrada Família began in 1882 under the direction of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. His plan was to create a grand monument that would embody the values of the Catholic Church and, more importantly, to showcase the creative potential of modernism. The project has experienced many ups and downs over the years due to a lack of funding and struggles with sovereignty, among other things.
Today, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Spain and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is estimated that more than 3 million people visit the basilica each year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.
Construction Progress
Since construction began, the Sagrada Família has undergone many changes, with modifications being made to the design on almost an annual basis. The main structure was completed in 1976, with the first set of spires and bell towers being added over the next decade. Since then, construction has been focused on the detailed design of the building, with the aim of creating something truly magnificent.
Currently, eight of the twelve planned spires have been completed, with the remaining four expected to be finished within the next five years. Work on the nave, which connects the spires, is ongoing, with some parts being done in tandem with the spires. The last of the planned external decorations are also being added and should be finished by the end of 2021.
General Challenges
The Sagrada Família is a complex undertaking, due to its size and the attention to detail required to build it properly. Despite the progress that has been made over the years, there are still many challenges that must be overcome before it can be considered complete. The main challenge is financial: while the basilica receives considerable donations and grants from both public and private sources, this is not nearly enough to cover the costs of construction.
This is compounded by the limited availability of labor, which can lead to delays and higher costs. Additionally, because the original design of the basilica was never fully completed, there is uncertainty about how it should look once finished. This can lead to disagreements about what should be done and how it should be done, which can contribute to delays.
Cost Analysis
The current cost of completing the Sagrada Família is estimated to be around €5 billion, a staggering sum that is far greater than what was initially estimated when construction began. To put this in perspective, it is estimated that the final cost of the basilica will be nearly double what the city of Barcelona paid for it back in the 19th century.
Of this, over €3 billion will be going to the 90% of the project which has not yet been finished, while the other €2 billion will be used to repair, maintain and upkeep the existing structures. Additionally, it is estimated that the project will require at least 200 more years to be finished, based on the slow and steady progress made so far.
Expert Perspectives
Experts agree that the Sagrada Família is a unique and ambitious project that demands respect. Many are of the opinion that the basilica should be completed as a tribute to Gaudí’s genius and hard work, as well as a reminder of the timeless values it was meant to embody. However, some believe that the project has gone on for too long and that the cost of completion is too high, recommending that the basilica be abandoned and used as a museum instead.
Political Backdrop
In addition to the financial and technical challenges, the Sagrada Família project has been subject to a great deal of political wrangling over the years, resulting in delays and stagnated progress. Since the death of Antoni Gaudí in the 1930s, there have been a number of changes in the political landscape of Spain, with the country going through a period of political upheaval and civil war.
This has made it difficult for the constructors to complete the project, as the state has been reluctant to fund the construction or intervene in any way. This was particularly true during the Franco dictatorship, when all public spending was heavily scrutinized and it was considered a risk to be associated with such an ambitious endeavor.
Financial Resources
Due to the lack of official funding, the builders and custodians of the Sagrada Família have had to turn to alternative sources of money. Over the years, they have managed to get donations and grants from private individuals, foundations and trusts, as well as accepted donations online through the website of the Sagrada Família foundation. To date, this has amounted to over €500 million.
The state has also recently started to provide a certain degree of funding, although this is still relatively limited compared to the size of the project. However, this funding is still essential for paying for parts of the project that can’t be covered by donations, such as emergency repairs or short-term wages for extra workers.
Completion Forecast
Given the current state of the project and its estimated cost, it is unclear when the Sagrada Família will be completed. Some experts believe that the project will take at least another 100 years to be finished, while others are more optimistic and think that completion is only a few decades away. In any case, one thing is certain: the basilica will be a marvel to behold once it is complete.
Prolonged Project Debates
The debate over the completion of the Sagrada Família has been going on for many years, with very few people coming to a consensus on what should be done. Some argue that the project should be completed as soon as possible, as it is an important part of the city’s cultural identity and its completion would bring a great deal of civic pride. Others believe that the project should be abandoned and the area used for something else, claiming that it is outdated and no longer relevant.
Whatever the outcome, it is clear that the completion of the Sagrada Família will be a significant moment for the city of Barcelona and all of Spain. Until then, however, the debate will rage on.
Adapting to Public Interest
The continuous interest in the project has led to it being adapted to the current needs of visiting tourists. As part of this, there is now a visitor’s centre and museum that offer guided tours of the basilica and an in-depth explanation of its history and current progress. The centre also has a gift shop and a cafe, helping to generate additional revenue for the project.
Additionally, the builders and custodians of the Sagrada Família have become somewhat media savvy, creating a large presence on social media and regularly posting updates and pictures of the ongoing work. This helps to generate interest in the project and more donations from potential donors.
Visual Aesthetics
While the completion of the project is still far off, the Sagrada Família remains a stunning architectural feat. From the complex architecture of the spires to the intricate details of the facades, it is a sight to behold. The builders are also working hard to ensure that the basilica looks as beautiful as possible, with a considerable amount of time and effort being devoted to making sure that the final structure is a work of art.
Environmental Impact
One of the major concerns with the Sagrada Família is its environmental impact. While there have been some efforts to reduce the amount of waste that is being produced on the site and to limit the amount of disruption to the surrounding area, there is still a lot of work to be done in this regard. Additionally, there are concerns that the project will damage ancient structures and artifacts, as well as interfering with the fragile ecosystem that is found in the area.
Future Plans
Although the completion of the Sagrada Família is still far off, there is a lot of excitement about its future. In addition to the basilica, there are plans to develop an interactive museum, a library and a spiritual centre all around the area, allowing visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for the project. Additionally, there are plans to develop a small park nearby and to create a network of paths and walkways that will connect the area to the rest of the city.
Conclusion
The only certainty regarding the completion of the Sagrada Família is that it will be a very long process. Despite the financial and political difficulties, the project is still very much alive and, with the help of donations and government funding, it has the potential to be completed in a few decades. However, until then, it will remain one of the most captivating projects in history and a testament to the creative power of modernism.
