Why Has Barcelona Not Finished the Church?

By Michael Ferguson

Barcelona’s most iconic landmark, the Sagrada Familia, has been under construction for over 138 years. Despite being in the works for so long, the church still remains unfinished. So, why has Barcelona not finished the church yet?

History of Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia was designed by Antoni Gaudí, a renowned Spanish architect known for his unique style of architecture. Gaudí started working on the project in 1883, and it was supposed to be completed within 10 years. However, due to various reasons such as lack of funds and the Spanish Civil War, construction was halted in 1936.

Reasons for Delay

The main reason why Barcelona has not finished the church is due to funding issues. The construction of the Sagrada Familia is funded entirely by private donations and ticket sales from tourists. Since its construction began over a century ago, the project has relied solely on these sources of funding.

Additionally, Gaudí’s original plans were destroyed during the Spanish Civil War and subsequent bombings in Barcelona. As a result, architects have had to rely on notes and sketches left behind by Gaudí himself.

Current Status

Despite these setbacks, progress on the Sagrada Familia has continued over the years. In recent times, new technology such as 3D printing and computer-aided design have been utilized to speed up construction.

Currently, only eight out of twelve planned towers have been completed. The estimated completion date for the entire project is 2026, which will mark 100 years since Gaudí’s death.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Barcelona has not been able to finish the Sagrada Familia due to funding issues and setbacks caused by historical events such as war and bombings that destroyed the original plans. Despite these challenges, progress on the church has continued over the years and it is expected to be completed in the near future. The Sagrada Familia remains a testament to Gaudí’s visionary architecture and Barcelona’s commitment to seeing his dream come to life.