Sagrada Familia Completion Timeline and Estimated Final Cost

The iconic Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, is expected to be completed by 2026, marking its centenary in line with Gaudí's death. However, the project's completion and cost are subject to various factors including construction delays and budget adjustments.

Expected Completion

According to estimations, the Sagrada Familia is scheduled to be completed by 2026. The Passion Facade, which is currently in progress, is expected to be completed in one and a half to two years, as reported by the building's coordinator. This timeline aligns with the centennial of Antoni Gaudí's death, bringing a fitting closure to his visionary masterpiece.

Construction and Maintenance Costs

The actual costs of the Sagrada Familia are difficult to establish, as the project is funded through entrance fees and donations. The annual costs of construction and maintenance run to around €25 million, which is primarily covered by the site's three million annual visitors and private donors.

Much Ado About Gaudí's Designs

Gaudí's designs for the Sagrada Familia were constantly evolving, with each new donation leading him to add more intricate designs and parts. Unfortunately, part of his detailed plans and designs were destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. This necessitated additional work from those who had previously worked with Gaudí to reconstruct the lost information.

The entire project should be completed by 2026-2028, with the design reflecting the construction progress of the past years. The initial plans included key elements such as '2026 We build tomorrow' (Construm el demà).

Calculating the Final Cost

Estimating the exact final cost of the Sagrada Familia is a complex task. To provide an approximation, it's important to note that the construction costs have been rising significantly over the years. For instance, in 2001, the budget was around €10.2 million, rising to €12 million in 2002 and slightly under €20 million in 2009.

In 2011, the president of the trust stated that the cost of the project has been increasing due to indirect costs. These indirect costs, such as ongoing material usage, labor, equipment rental, and more advanced technology, have notably increased over time. The president estimated that these indirect costs account for approximately 7/8 of the annual budget.

Considering these factors, the initial cost estimates from 2000 to 2014 totaled approximately €300 million, with costs increasing by about €1.4 million annually. Factoring in the 114 years of construction (excluding 4 years due to the Spanish Civil War), the estimated additional cost would be €570 million. Therefore, the total cost could be approximately €1 billion.

Conclusion

The Sagrada Familia remains one of the world's most extraordinary architectural projects, embodying the vision and creativity of Antoni Gaudí. Despite the challenges and delays, the project is on track to be completed by 2026, creating a fitting tribute to Gaudí and a lasting legacy for Barcelona. For more details on upcoming activities in town, visit our website.