137 years after construction began, the Basilica of the Sagrada FamÃlia in Barcelona has finally had its building permit approved.
It was in 1885 that builders first applied for a license from the City Council of Sant Martà de Provençals, now one of greater Barcelona’s neighbourhoods.
The permission, announced 7 June by the foundation (Fundació) steering the iconic project, marks the conclusion of proceedings initiated by the basilica’s construction board, who sought to normalise construction and finish it in 2026.Â
Still at issue is half of the grand "narthex" or monumental porch that was planned for the Glory façade, located on Carrer de Mallorca.
"This pending part of the project will be resolved by a working commission provided for in the agreement signed on the 18th of October 2018 between the Barcelona City Council and the Junta Constructora del Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada FamÃlia," the foundation said.
Once that licence has been granted, work will start on the second phase to address the unfinished part of the narthex.
This phase will also require the approval of an urban planning instrument, just as the long awaited construction licence did.
Toward this end, joint working commissions will be established with the Barcelona City Council, which will include members from the City Council, the foundation, neighbours and entities from the city.
Image from Sagradafamilia.org
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