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One of Europe’s top tourist attractions to be finished in 2026 – 144 years after it started building work
Millions visit the attraction every year, despite the ongoing works
AN attraction that first started building work more than 140 years ago is set to finally finish by 2026.
Having first started construction back in 1882, it has since become one of the most popular tourist sites in the world.
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The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona attracts as many as 4.7million visitors a year, and was the first to get 100,000 online reviews on TripAdvisor back in 2017.
Having been started by the architect Antoni Gaudi, the first delays started after he died before it could be completed, leaving it between 15-25 per cent finished.
It was then delayed for decade, with further setbacks following the Spanish Civil War which saw many of the designs and models destroyed.
Other delays included the changing of architects over the years, as well as a construction of underground train tunnels built underneath.
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And work was set back two years following the Covid pandemic.
This has resulted in scaffolding and ongoing work taking place for anyone visiting Barcelona.
However, the attraction is set to finally be complete by 2026.
Esteve Camps, president of the organization behind the church's construction said: "We have the funds and materials to finish the main structure, including the central tower that will crown the Sagrada Familia as the tallest building in Barcelona."
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While it will be "completed," some other works will still take place including decorative details and a huge stairway at the main entrance.
This will be completed in 2034.
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Mr Camps added: "We are following Gaudi's plan to the letter - we are his heirs, and we can't renounce his project.
"The plan, which was signed by Gaudi and presented to the local authority in 1915, includes the stairway."
However, the new stairway has also introduced new problems.
While the original plans were created when Barcelona was mainly farmland, the surrounding area has since been built up.
The stairway would stretch over two city blocks, and would affect 1,000 families and businesses.
Tourists wanting to see the incomplete structure can still visit, with tickets costing between €25-€40 (£20-£32).
Anyone wanting to see Gaudi's other work can head to Park Guell in Barcelona.
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Everything you need to know about visiting Spain
- Brits must have at least three months left on their passport from the day they plan to leave the country.
- Tourists do not need a visa if visiting for up to 90 days in an 180-day period.
- Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
- Travellers may be asked to show hotel booking confirmations and that they have enough money for their stay at the border.
- Spain is one hour ahead of the UK.
- The country uses the euro with around €10 working out to £8.55.
- Flights to Spain from the UK take between 2-4 hours depending on the destination.
Outside of Barcelona, tourists can also visit the town of Comillas to see Gaudi's El Capricho villa.
And The Sun's Sophie Swietochowski recently visited Barcelona - here's how to find £14 flights and secret tapas bars.
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