Sagrada Família’s Central Tower Completed, Nearing 140-Year Construction Milestone
Barcelona’s Sagrada Família basilica has reached a significant milestone with the completion of exterior work on its Tower of Jesus Christ, the structure’s highest point. The installation of the cross on February 20, 2026, marks a major step toward the completion of the basilica, which has been under construction since 1882.
A Legacy of Antoni Gaudí
The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, commonly known as the Sagrada Família, is a Catholic church designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí took over the project in 1883, transforming the initial design into a far more ambitious undertaking funded by donations.
Tower of Jesus Christ: A New Height
The Tower of Jesus Christ, standing at 172.5 meters (566 feet), is now the tallest church spire in the world. The cross itself measures 4.5 x 4.5 x 4.9 meters and was assembled on-site after its components were manufactured in Germany during 2025. White glazed ceramics, internal stone structures, and stained glass were sourced from factories and workshops throughout Catalonia.
The installation process involved raising the cross in seven parts: the lower arm, the central core, the four side arms, and finally the upper arm. Inside the upper arm, the Agnus Dei statue by Italian artist Andrea Mastrovito will be installed at the highest point.
Completion Timeline and Future Work
With the completion of the six central towers, the basilica’s exterior is now finished. However, interior work on the Tower of Jesus Christ will continue through 2027 and 2028.
The official completion of the Sagrada Família is projected for 2034. A ceremony marking the completion of the tower will be held on June 10, 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death and the 16th anniversary of the basilica’s consecration by Pope Benedict XVI. This year as well marks Barcelona’s designation as the UNESCO Capital of World Architecture.
Historical Challenges and Funding
Construction of the Sagrada Família has faced numerous obstacles throughout its history. The Spanish Civil War saw Catalan anarchists destroy the crypt, along with crucial designs and plaster models created by Gaudí. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a decrease in donations and tourist revenue, impacting the project’s funding.
Despite these challenges, construction has continued thanks to the Sagrada Família Foundation and ongoing donations from tourists, visitors, and private donors.
Architectural Details
The Tower of Jesus Christ is surrounded by the four towers of the Evangelists, connected by bridges, and the Tower of the Virgin Mary, which is internally connected to the Tower of Jesus Christ. The tower features a twelve-sided floor plan and consists of 12 levels of panels.