Is the Sagrada Familia in Danger? *Updated*

I received an interesting email recently from the people behind sossagradafamilia.org, talking about the risk that the proposed AVE train tunnel is putting Barcelona's Sagrada Familia in. According to their Web site, the new tunnel will be dug just 1.6 meters below the Sagrada Familia basement and puts the structure at risk.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sagrada Familia is the famously unfinished basilica designed by Antoni Gaudi and is one of the major tourist attractions in Barcelona. If the threat posed by the proposed tunnel is as serious as the site says, then this is a major cause for concern. Check out their page and decide for yourself.

*Update*
In an amusing aside, it has come to light that the Sagrada Familia hasn't had the proper planning permission since at least 1916, when altered construction plans were submitted to the relevant authorities - but the authorities never got back to them, meaning that work since that date is illegal.

Normally in such circumstances, a building without the proper permission is supposed to be knocked down. Maybe the proposed AVE tunnel is the Spanish government's way of 'accidentally' knocking down the famous basilica for breaching regulations!
^{Photo © Damian Corrigan}

Further Reading

• The sossagradafamilia.org Campaign Page
• Pictures of La Sagrada Familia
• Guided Tours of Antoní Gaudi's Barcelona