Final Stretch: Sagrada Familia Nears Completion After a Century

Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada Familia is progressing towards completion, expected in about 10 years. The basilica, a major tourist attraction in Barcelona, faced delays due to the pandemic. Plans include building a large staircase, leading to local protests. Completion aims to mark a century after Gaudi's death.

Antoni Gaudi's iconic Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is inching closer to completion, with the completion date estimated at around 10 years from now. Esteve Camps, the project's chairman, remains cautiously optimistic despite setbacks such as a visitor revenue drop during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To commemorate a century since Gaudi's death, the team hopes to finish the main tower dedicated to Jesus Christ by next year, making it Barcelona's tallest building. The project still faces challenges, including local opposition to a proposed staircase that could lead to demolishing residential buildings.

Despite hitting a record of 4.9 million visitors last year, officials caution that its maximum capacity will remain unchanged once completed. As the Vatican considers a papal visit for the tower's opening ceremony, Barcelona braces for ongoing debates over urban development and cultural preservation.

(With inputs from agencies.)