Barcelona’s skyline is on the verge of a historic transformation as the Sagrada Família prepares to reach its ultimate height. The construction board for Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece plans to install the final section of the monumental cross atop the Tower of Jesus Christ this Friday, a move that will elevate the basilica to its full, intended height of 172.5 metres (566 feet).

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The complex operation, heavily dependent on favourable weather conditions and already delayed by high winds, will mark the culmination of the temple’s central and tallest spire. If conditions permit, a large crane will begin preparatory work in the early morning to hoist the final 11-tonne vertical component into place, completing the immense four-armed cross that crowns the tower. The event will be broadcast live on the basilica’s social media channels, allowing people worldwide to witness the milestone.

A Monumental Feat of Engineering

This final manoeuvre is the fifth of its kind in recent weeks, following the successful placement of the four horizontal arms of the cross. Once assembled, the terminal will measure 17 metres in height and 13.5 metres wide, roughly the size of a five-storey building. Its completion solidifies the Sagrada Família not only as the tallest building in Barcelona but also as the world’s tallest church, a title it officially claimed on October 30, 2025, when it surpassed Germany’s Ulm Minster.

Antoni Gaudí’s design adheres strictly to his vision. The Catalan modernist deliberately planned for the basilica’s peak to be slightly shorter than the nearby mountain of Montjuïc, which stands at 177.72 metres. This was a gesture of respect, as Gaudí believed that the work of man should never surpass the work of God as represented by nature.

Gaudí’s Vision Realised

The Tower of Jesus Christ is the last of the six central towers to be completed, joining the four towers of the Evangelists and the tower of the Virgin Mary. According to detailed descriptions of Gaudí’s final intentions, the architect envisioned the cross as a beacon that would “shine by day and make light by night.” In keeping with this, spotlights will be installed on the surrounding towers to illuminate the cross, symbolising the light of Jesus.

The official inauguration for the completed tower is scheduled for June 10, 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudí’s death. Basilica officials say it is highly probable Pope Leo XIV will preside over the inaugural mass, although confirmation from the Vatican is still pending, as reported by 20 Minutos.

The Next Controversial Chapter

With the completion of the central towers, the project’s focus will shift to its next and arguably most challenging phase: the construction of the Glory Façade. This will serve as the main entrance to the basilica and is intended to be the largest and most ambitious of the three façades.

However, the plans are mired in controversy. Completing the grand staircase and plaza leading to the entrance, as envisioned in the original designs, would require demolishing two entire city blocks, affecting an estimated 3,000 homes and 10,000 residents. Jordi Faulí, the temple’s lead architect since 2012, confirmed to EFE last week that work on the executive project is underway. Faulí stated, asserting that the basilica holds the necessary permits to proceed:

“We have started conversations with the Barcelona City Council to see how this inconvenience can be resolved.”

As Barcelona looks up to see Gaudí’s ultimate vision finally touch the sky, the moment is tempered by the looming social and urban planning challenges that must be navigated before his sacred temple can truly be called complete.