Spain's iconic Sagrada Familia eyes completion, possible evictions
Newsy
The massive architectural wonder held an Easter Vigil on Saturday ahead of its planned 2026 completion date after 142 years of construction.
It has always been a marvel of architecture and art, whether you want to classify it as religious or not.
The basilica was built in 1882, and over the next 142 years it would be perpetually under construction, with pauses during the Spanish Civil War in in the 1930s, and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Saturday, the basilica held an Easter vigil led by Javier Vilanova, who is the auxiliary bishop of Barcelona, the organization behind the basilica said on X, sharing a link to a live stream for the service and photos of the awe-inspiring interior.
The project has seen war and financial difficulties over the decades. This month, an announcement was made signaling a completion date that was cemented in place for 2026 that would coincide with the 100-year mark after Gaudi's death in 1926. He died in a Spanish hospital of trauma after being hit by a tram.
After the 2026 official completion date, more work on sculptures, adornments and a staircase is expected, Arch Daily reported.
