For years, 2026 was the year everyone was waiting for. The Sagrada Família was expected to reach a major milestone exactly 100 years after the death of its architect, Antoni Gaudí.
And it did. But does that mean the Sagrada Família is finally finished?
Not quite.
Was the Sagrada Família Completed in 2026?
The short answer is no. Although 2026 marked a historic moment in the construction of Barcelona’s most famous basilica, work is still underway.
On February 20, 2026, the final piece of the cross was installed at the top of the Tower of Jesus Christ, completing the exterior of the basilica’s tallest tower.
Standing at 172.5 metres, the tower has transformed Barcelona’s skyline and brought one of Gaudí’s most ambitious designs to life.
And there is an interesting detail: the structure of its enormous cross was manufactured in Germany and transported to Barcelona in 14 prefabricated pieces. Its white ceramic cladding, glass and interior stonework were produced in Catalonia.
A Historic Day: Gaudí’s Centenary and the Pope’s Visit
On June 10, 2026, exactly 100 years after Antoni Gaudí’s death, Pope Leo XIV visited the Sagrada Família.
He presided over a solemn Mass commemorating the architect and blessed the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ.
The occasion was particularly symbolic. Gaudí had devoted the final years of his life to the basilica, and a century after his death, its highest tower finally stood complete.
So, When Will the Sagrada Família Be Fully Finished?
There is no officially confirmed completion date for the entire Sagrada Família.
The six central towers are complete externally, but work continues on the interior of the Tower of Jesus Christ and other parts of the basilica.
One of the largest remaining projects is the Glory Façade, designed by Gaudí as the temple’s main entrance. Construction is also progressing on the Chapel of the Assumption and its adjoining cloisters.
So although you may hear estimates of approximately another decade, 2036 is not a guaranteed finishing date.
Is the Sagrada Família Worth Visiting Before It Is Finished?
Absolutely. In fact, visiting the Sagrada Família while construction continues offers a rare opportunity to witness a building that has been evolving since 1882.
The completed central towers have already changed its appearance, while the ongoing work reveals how Gaudí’s vision is still taking shape.
And that is part of what makes the Sagrada Família so extraordinary: you are not just visiting a monument. You are witnessing a chapter of Barcelona’s history still being written.
I hope you’ve enjoyed discovering what has changed at the Sagrada Família and what is still to come.
Bye Bye! See you in my next post!
