Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia basilica reached its maximum height on Friday, as construction crews placed the final piece of the Tower of Jesus Christ – a four-armed cross – atop the structure. The milestone, achieved after more than 140 years of construction, marks a significant step toward the completion of Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece.
The basilica now stands at 566 feet (172.5 meters) tall, surpassing the spire of Germany’s Ulmer Munster, which previously held the title of the world’s tallest church, according to church officials. The placement of the cross was prioritized ahead of celebrations planned for June, commemorating the centenary of Gaudí’s death.
“You alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High,” read a prayer verse from the Gloria, inscribed at the base of the cross, according to the Rev. Josep Turull, rector of the Sagrada Familia. He added that, pending approval from Barcelona’s city government, the original plans call for a beam of light to shine from each of the cross’s four arms, symbolizing the church’s role as a spiritual beacon.
Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882, but the project vastly outlived its original architect. Gaudí died in 1926, at the age of 73, after being struck by a tram, having completed only one of the basilica’s multiple towers during his lifetime. Work continued intermittently for decades, gaining momentum as the basilica became a major international tourist destination.
The interior of the Tower of Jesus Christ remains under construction, and scaffolding continues to surround the structure. Church officials anticipate removing the scaffolding by June, in time for the inauguration of the tower. Millions of tourists visit the Sagrada Familia annually, drawn by Gaudí’s unique aesthetic – a blend of Catholic symbolism and organic forms – and entrance fees contribute significantly to the ongoing construction costs.
This year, the Sagrada Familia will host a series of events honoring Gaudí’s legacy, which extends to other notable buildings in Barcelona and throughout Spain. The basilica’s progress comes after a period of renewed construction following delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to reports.
