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Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia Reaches Dizzying New Heights, Edging Closer to Completion
BARCELONA, Spain – The magnificent Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona has officially reached its maximum planned height, a significant milestone for Antoni Gaudí’s enduring architectural masterpiece. On Friday, the final arm of a towering cross was carefully positioned atop the Tower of Jesus Christ, bringing the central spire to a breathtaking 172.5 meters (566 feet) above the city.
While the iconic basilica remains years away from its ultimate completion, this latest addition marks a crucial step forward. The Sagrada Familia had already claimed the title of the world’s tallest church last year with the placement of another section of its central tower.
Construction on the Sagrada Familia began way back in 1882, with Gaudí himself acknowledging it wouldn’t be finished in his lifetime. Indeed, only one of its many towers was complete when he tragically passed away in 1926 at 73, after being hit by a tram.
In recent decades, however, progress has accelerated dramatically, fueled by the basilica’s immense popularity as a global tourist destination. Visitors from around the world are captivated by Gaudí’s unique vision, which seamlessly blends profound Catholic symbolism with organic, natural forms.
Though the interior of the Tower of Jesus Christ is still under construction, currently surrounded by cranes and scaffolding, its exterior is set to be unveiled. Topping the central tower was a key objective in anticipation of centenary celebrations this June, marking 100 years since Gaudí’s death. The scaffolding around the central tower is expected to be removed by then, paving the way for its official inauguration.
According to Sagrada Familia’s rector, the Rev. Josep Turull, the cross is designed with four arms, as Gaudí intended, to be visible from every direction. Original plans also include a light beam projecting from each arm, symbolizing the church’s role as a spiritual beacon, pending approval from Barcelona’s city government.
Millions of tourists flock to the Sagrada Familia annually, and the revenue generated from entrance fees largely funds the continuous construction efforts. This year, the basilica will host various events to honor Gaudí’s lasting legacy, which includes a collection of other stunning Modernist buildings across Barcelona and Spain.
Last October, the Sagrada Familia officially surpassed Germany’s Ulmer Münster, a Gothic Lutheran church completed over 500 years beginning in 1377 and topping out at 161.53 meters (530 feet), to become the world’s tallest church.
At the base of the newly installed cross, a poignant prayer verse reads: “You alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High,” a fitting inscription for this magnificent and enduring testament of faith and architectural genius.