Barcelona has honoured the Sagrada Família construction board and Archbishop Joan Josep Omella with the XIX Amic del Passeig de Gràcia Award, recognising their role in Gaudí’s basilica and its place in the city’s future.
The Association of Passeig de Gràcia presented the award at the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona. It said the recognition comes at a significant moment for the temple, as Barcelona marks the centenary of Gaudí’s death and the completion of the Jesus tower has recently been blessed by Pope Leo XIV.
Esteve Camps, delegated president of the construction board, and Monsignor David Abadías, auxiliary bishop of Barcelona, accepted the award. Abadías stood in for Cardinal Omella, who was travelling with the pontiff in Catalonia. He said the award recognises the many people who have worked for decades to make Gaudí’s dream a reality and to complete a work that belongs to Barcelona and the world.
Lluís Sans, president of the Association of Passeig de Gràcia, said the completion of the temple is more than the end of an architectural project. He described it as a historic opportunity for Barcelona to think big and project itself to the world with confidence, excellence and a vision for the future. More Catalonia news
Sans also said the Sagrada Família is probably Barcelona’s best ambassador in the world, and argued that the city should match that legacy with ambition in culture, innovation and creativity. He said the same high standards needed to complete the basilica are what Barcelona needs today to remain safe, competitive and open to the world.
He also called for stronger commercial activity, better mobility, and services and infrastructure that compare with major international capitals. His comments included support for Sunday shop openings, improved access to the Eixample by private vehicle, and preserving the city’s heritage and commercial identity. He also said thefts in Barcelona have fallen, while raising concerns about what he described as an abuse of the right to protest and questioning the loss of tourist apartments. Sagrada Família official site Barcelona City Council