Sagrada Familia: Record Visitors & Completion Date Update (2026)

Barcelona – The Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona welcomed a record 4.9 million visitors in 2025, surpassing the previous year’s high of 4.8 million, Spanish media reported Wednesday.

American tourists comprised the largest single group of visitors, accounting for 15 percent of the total. Spanish nationals followed with 11 percent, although Chinese visitors represented nearly 8 percent – a significant increase of almost 60 percent compared to 2024. Conversely, the number of French visitors decreased by 20 percent.

The basilica generated €134.5 million in revenue through ticket sales, covering 96.9 percent of construction costs, according to Xavier Martinez, head of the Sagrada Familia’s construction authority. Construction of the basilica began in 1882 under Antoni Gaudí.

Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to consecrate the Temple of Jesus Christ tower on June 10th, two days before the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death. The tower will reach a height of 172.5 meters, making it the tallest church spire in the world.

Progress continues on multiple fronts, with funds from visitor revenue directly supporting ongoing construction. In addition to the Jesus Christ tower, significant work was completed last year on the cloister section along Provença Street and the final stages of the Chapel of the Virgin of Carmel.

Despite the advancements, Esteve Camps, president of the construction committee, estimates that completion of the Sagrada Família remains more than a decade away. Work on the Glory façade, intended to serve as the basilica’s main entrance, is slated to begin later this year, following a review of proposed designs by artists Miquel Barceló, Cristina Iglesias, and Julian Martin.