The Eternal Project - La Sagrada Familia

Editor’s Note: I originally wrote this post in October 2011. Reading it now, in February 2026, it’s incredible to see how the "bold ambitions" of fifteen years ago have finally reached the clouds. I have kept my original 2011 thoughts intact below, followed by a new reflection on how Gaudí’s vision has finally reached its peak.

Building a masterpiece

In the heart of Barcelona, a testament to unwavering dedication and artistic brilliance continues to reach towards the sky, defying the constraints of time itself. The Sagrada Familia, an architectural marvel conceived by the ingenious mind of Antoni Gaudi, stands as an enduring symbol of human creativity and perseverance.

The saga of Sagrada Familia began in 1882, under the guidance of a different architect. However, it was in 1883, at the tender age of 31, that Gaudi assumed the role of lead architect, marking a turning point in the church's history. With a stroke of artistic genius, he dramatically altered the original plans, transforming the construction into a lifelong endeavor, a labor of love that would far outlive its creator.


Passion Facade Entrance to Sagrada Familia still under construction photo by William Hall.

Gaudi's passion for his masterpiece was unparalleled. Every stone, every archway, and every facade bore the imprint of his visionary zeal. Despite his untimely demise in 1926, his spirit lives on within the very walls of the Sagrada Familia; he rests eternally in the church's crypt, a testament to his devotion.

The journey to completion was far from smooth. The ravages of time and the chaos of the Spanish Civil War claimed the few existing models of Gaudi's designs. Yet, against all odds, the current architects have set a bold ambition: to finish Gaudi's magnum opus by 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of his passing.

Intriguingly, advancements in design and construction technology have propelled the Sagrada Familia into an accelerated pace of realization. When completed, this awe-inspiring structure will welcome a staggering 13,000 people within its hallowed halls and boast 18 towering spires, reaching towards the heavens.

The Sagrada Familia is not just a building; it is a testament to the enduring power of human creativity and the resilience of artistic vision. As we anticipate its completion, we are reminded that masterpieces are not bound by time. They are the result of boundless passion, unwavering dedication, and the undying spirit of their creators. In every stone and every arch, the legacy of Antoni Gaudi lives on, inspiring generations to come.


Exposed rebar in concrete construction for Sagrada Familia photo by Etan Tal.


People watch as a crane lifts the upper arm of the cross onto the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, reaching the basilica's maximum height of 172.5 meters (566 feet). (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

2026: Comparing Notes with Reality

Looking back at my notes from 2011, the "2026 goal" felt like a distant, almost impossible dream. But here we are. On February 20, 2026, history was made as the final arm of the 17-meter cross was hoisted atop the Tower of Jesus Christ.

The placement of the upper arm of the cross on the Tower of Jesus of the Sagrada Família   (©Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, España)

Did we meet the goal?

  • The Height: In 2011, the central towers were barely stubs. Today, the Jesus Tower has reached its full 172.5 meters, officially making the Sagrada Família the tallest church in the world.

  • The 13,000 Milestone: My 2011 post mentioned Gaudí’s dream of 13,000 people filling this space. While modern safety codes now limit the interior capacity for a single mass to roughly 9,000 worshippers, the number 13,000 has been reached in another way: the basilica now welcomes an average of 13,000 to 15,000 visitors every single day. This "daily congregation" has quite literally funded the stones of the towers we see today.

  • The Spires: All six central towers are now structurally complete. The "forest of towers" I described years ago is no longer a rendering—it is the Barcelona skyline.

  • The Catch: While the structure is complete for the 2026 centenary, the Glory Façade and its controversial grand staircase are still works in progress, with 

  • final artistic details likely continuing into the 2030s.

    • Gaudí famously said, "My client is not in a hurry." But as the new ceramic-clad cross catches the sun at the summit, the hurry finally seems to be over. The "Eternal Project" has finally found its peak.

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