When did construction of Sagrada Familia start?

Construction started on 19 March 1882 with a cornerstone laid by bookseller Josep Maria Bocabella. Gaudi took over a year later.

Why has Sagrada Familia taken so long to build?

Funding was private and donation-based for decades. The Civil War destroyed plaster models in 1936. Construction restarted slowly from 1940 and only accelerated post-2010 thanks to ticket revenue.

When will Sagrada Familia be finished?

The Tower of Jesus Christ is scheduled to top out in 2026, the centenary of Gaudi's death. The decorative work continues to 2030 to 2034.

Sagrada Familia History: From 1882 to 2026 Completion

Sagrada Familia History: 144 Years Under Construction

Dernière mise à jour: 2026-04-25

The Sagrada Familia cornerstone was laid in 1882 by architect Villar. Gaudi took over a year later and worked on it until his tragic tram accident in 1926. The basilica will finally be complete in 2026.

1882: The first stone

The cornerstone was laid on 19 March 1882 by bookseller Josep Maria Bocabella, who funded the basilica with private donations from Catholic families.

1883 to 1926: Gaudi takes over

Gaudi accepted the project at age 31. He spent 43 years on it, the last 12 living in the workshop. He completed the Nativity facade and crypt before his tram accident on June 7, 1926.

1936: Civil War destruction

In July 1936 anarchists burned Gaudi's workshop, smashed his plaster models and torched the crypt. The project paused until 1940.

1940 to 2010: Slow rebuilding

Architects rebuilt models from photos. Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the basilica in November 2010. From then it became a basilica, not just a church under construction.

2010 to 2026: Final stretch

Income from 4.5 million annual tickets accelerated work. The Mary tower was completed in December 2021. The Tower of Jesus Christ is scheduled to finish in 2026, the centenary of Gaudi's death.

Tout ce que vous devez savoir

When did construction of Sagrada Familia start?: Construction started on 19 March 1882 with a cornerstone laid by bookseller Josep Maria Bocabella. Gaudi took over a year later.
Why has Sagrada Familia taken so long to build?: Funding was private and donation-based for decades. The Civil War destroyed plaster models in 1936. Construction restarted slowly from 1940 and only accelerated post-2010 thanks to ticket revenue.
When will Sagrada Familia be finished?: The Tower of Jesus Christ is scheduled to top out in 2026, the centenary of Gaudi's death. The decorative work continues to 2030 to 2034.