The Sagrada Família has reached a major construction milestone with the installation of the first element of the cross atop the Tower of Jesus, marking the start of the final phase of the temple’s central structure.
The new addition, a lower arm of the cross, brings the tower’s height to 162.91 meters and moves the basilica closer to completion ahead of the centenary of architect Antoni Gaudí’s death in 2026.
The installed piece, standing 7.25 meters high and weighing 24 tonnes, forms the base of the cross that will crown the tallest tower of the Sagrada Família. It arrived in July divided into four panels and was assembled on a work platform positioned 54 meters above the central nave, where glass installation, interior work, and stone placement were also carried out.
Major Step Toward Completion of the Tower of Jesus
With the installation of this lower arm, the construction of the Tower of Jesus enters its final stage. Once completed, the cross will stand 17 meters tall and 13.5 meters wide—roughly the height of a five-story building. The completed Tower of Jesus will become the tallest of the basilica’s central towers, a focal point in Gaudí’s original vision for the monumental church.
The piece features a double-twist geometry, transforming from a square base to an octagonal top. Its exterior is finished with white glazed ceramics and glass, materials chosen for their brilliance and durability against weather conditions. This design reflects Gaudí’s commitment to blending light, texture, and symbolism throughout his architectural work.
The installation of the cross element comes as part of the ongoing efforts to complete the Sagrada Família’s construction in time for 2026, a year that will also commemorate 100 years since Gaudí’s death. The completion of the Tower of Jesus will be a defining achievement in realizing his long-delayed masterpiece, which began construction in 1882.
Symbolic and Historical Milestone for Barcelona
The Sagrada Família, one of the world’s most visited cultural landmarks, continues to draw millions of visitors each year as progress toward completion accelerates. The installation of the cross element not only represents a technical milestone but also a symbolic one—signifying the culmination of Gaudí’s spiritual and architectural vision for the basilica’s central tower.
According to the Sagrada Família Foundation, the culmination of the Tower of Jesus will coincide with a series of commemorative events and activities honoring Gaudí’s life and legacy. Full details of the centenary programming can be found at sagradafamilia2026.org.
The recent progress highlights the meticulous planning and engineering required to complete one of the most complex architectural projects in history. Each element of the cross has been designed to meet both aesthetic and structural requirements, ensuring the monument’s resilience and integrity for future generations.
Once the Tower of Jesus is finished, it will stand as the tallest point of the basilica and one of the most visible landmarks in Barcelona, further reinforcing the Sagrada Família’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most recognizable symbols of faith and design.
The installation of the first element of the cross marks another step toward fulfilling Gaudí’s century-old vision — a symbol of continuity, devotion, and artistry that continues to define Barcelona’s cultural identity.
