Advanced Talks on Public Access
Discussions between the Sagrada Família and Barcelona City Council over public access to the new Glory façade are described as "very advanced" by both parties, with a final agreement expected in the coming weeks.
As of Tuesday 22 September 2026, the vertical construction of the Glory façade is progressing rapidly, according to the basilica’s official updates. The façade, which will be the largest and most complex of the three main façades, faces east and will depict Christ’s resurrection and eternal glory.
The current negotiations focus on the design and management of public stairways and walkways connecting the façade to surrounding streets. These access points will need to accommodate large numbers of visitors while preserving the integrity of adjacent neighbourhoods in the Eixample district.
Shared Vision for Urban Integration
City officials and basilica representatives have jointly confirmed that the talks include plans for traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and noise mitigation during construction and operation.
"We are working closely with the Ajuntament to ensure the Glory façade integrates smoothly into the urban fabric," said a spokesperson for the Sagrada Família Trust.
The Ajuntament de Barcelona (Barcelona City Council) has stated that any agreement must align with the city’s mobility and heritage policies, particularly regarding sustainable tourism and residents’ quality of life.
Once finalised, the agreement will allow construction of the access infrastructure to begin. This phase is critical to the overall completion timeline of the basilica, which is scheduled for 2026, marking the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death.
Reported by Sagrada Família, Catalan News, ARA, Europa Press Barcelona.
