The structural finish: end of 2026
The big milestone: the central Tower of Jesus Christ tops out at 172.5 metres by end of 2026. After that the basilica becomes structurally complete: all 18 towers, the central nave, the Mary tower (already done in 2021).
This is timed to honor the centenary of Antoni Gaudi tragic death on 10 June 1926. Architect Jordi Faulí has been pushing for this date since 2012.
What continues after 2026
Three categories of work continue past 2026:
- Glory facade: the main entrance facing south. The structure goes up between 2027 and 2030. Decorative sculpture continues to 2032 to 2034.
- Decorative pinnacles: each apostle tower has decorative pinnacles still being added from 2027.
- Final touches: sacristy, surrounding plaza redesign, controversial demolition of some neighboring buildings.
Decade-by-decade timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1882 | Cornerstone laid |
| 1926 | Gaudi dies (Nativity facade + crypt done) |
| 1936 | Civil War destroys plaster models |
| 2010 | Pope Benedict XVI consecrates |
| 2018 | Passion facade complete |
| 2021 | Mary tower complete (138 m) |
| 2026 | Tower of Jesus Christ tops out (172.5 m) |
| 2030 | Glory facade structure complete |
| 2034 | Final decorative work expected |
The "finished" debate
Architect Jordi Faulí himself has said: "The Sagrada Familia will never truly be finished, because Gaudi designed it to keep evolving with the city." Some scholars argue the basilica is a living workshop. The 2026 milestone is the structural finish, not an absolute end.
Visit timing strategy
- Visit in 2025: still see the central tower under construction with cranes (last chance for that visual).
- Visit in 2026: see the topping-out and centenary events but expect crowds.
- Visit in 2027 to 2030: see the Glory facade going up, the basilica without the central tower scaffolding.
- Visit in 2034+: see the fully finished basilica for the first time in 152 years.
What most blogs miss
The Glory facade requires demolishing 31 existing buildings on Carrer de Mallorca to create the steps and plaza Gaudi designed. As of 2026 the city has not approved this demolition. So the Glory facade may never look the way Gaudi planned, and the steps may stay in conflict for years.
Questions frequentes
Structurally end of 2026 with the Tower of Jesus Christ topping out. Decorative work and Glory facade continue to 2034.
Funded only by donations and tickets, not government. Civil War destroyed Gaudi models in 1936. Construction restarted slowly from 1940 and only accelerated post 2010.
Mostly the Glory facade entrance and decorative pinnacles. The structural towers will all be complete by end of 2026.
The structure yes, the decoration no. The Tower of Jesus Christ tops out in 2026 but Glory facade and final sculpture continue to 2034.
No. The basilica is impressive now and 2026 will see massive crowds. Visit before May 2026 or after 2027 to avoid the centenary peak.
