After 144 long years of construction, Spain’s Sagrada Familia was finally slated for completion in 2026, the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudi’s (the original architect) death.
Now, however, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project is going to miss that completion date. Construction was halted back in early March when Spain went into a national lockdown. Work is expected to begin again in the next few weeks, as long as the virus doesn’t spike. After announcing the reactivation of construction, the Delegate President of the Sagrada Familia Construction Board, Esteve Camps, said the Tower of the Virgin, the project’s second tallest spire at approximately 452 feet, is anticipated for completion in 2021.
When completed, the Sagrada Familia will feature 18 towers with the highest reaching 564 feet into the air. According to the Sagrada Familia Construction Board, “Currently, all the levels of the tower are already in place and only the elements of the 25-meter terminal are missing, which will be crowned by an illuminated twelve-pointed star.” In addition to the tallest spire, the main facade, which is known as the Glory Facade, still needs to be completed, as well. No new completion date has been provided.
Related Stories
Religious Facilities | Oct 28, 2015
After 133 years of construction, Sagrada Familia enters final phase of construction
Six new towers to be added will make the cathedral Europe's tallest religious building.
Sponsored | Religious Facilities | Sep 25, 2015
Where Construction Meets Religion
The beliefs of the congregation required specific compass-orientations for certain rooms
Religious Facilities | Aug 25, 2015
A fully restored St. Patrick’s Cathedral awaits the pope’s arrival
The three-year reconstruction project included more than 30,000 preservations and repairs.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 22, 2015
Condo developers covet churches for conversions
Former churches, many of which are sitting on prime urban real estate, are being converted into libraries, restaurants, and with greater frequency condominiums.
Religious Facilities | Mar 23, 2015
Is nothing sacred? Seattle church to become a restaurant and ballroom
A Seattle-based real estate developer plans to convert a historic downtown building, which for more than a century has served as a church sanctuary, into a restaurant with ballroom space.
Retail Centers | Mar 10, 2015
Retrofit projects give dying malls new purpose
Approximately one-third of the country’s 1,200 enclosed malls are dead or dying. The good news is that a sizable portion of that building stock is being repurposed.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Mar 5, 2015
Chicago's 7 most endangered properties
Preservation Chicago released its annual list of historic buildings that are at risk of being demolished or falling into decay.
Religious Facilities | Mar 3, 2015
Gaudi's Sagrada Familia to be completed in 2026
Architect Jordi Fauli has taken over responsibilities for finishing Antoni Gaudi's masterpiece. Fauli is confident his team will be able to finish the mega project within the next 12 years.
Sponsored | Metals | Feb 25, 2015
Why churches are being built of metal
Affordability and speed of building are important factors.
Architects | Feb 11, 2015
Shortlist for 2015 Mies van der Rohe Award announced
Copenhagen, Berlin, and Rotterdam are the cities where most of the shortlisted works have been built.
