Barcelona’s skyline has been irrevocably altered. The monumental cross crowning Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família is now fully visible for the first time, as workers removed the final layers of scaffolding and safety nets. This unveiling of the four-armed structure marks a pivotal moment in the basilica’s century-long construction and cements its status as the world’s tallest church.
Your browser does not support the video tag.
The cross sits atop the Tower of Jesus Christ, now soaring to a final height of 172.5 metres. Its completion significantly advances the final vision of its architect, Antoni Gaudí. This milestone precedes a major event in the city’s calendar: a papal blessing of the newly completed tower, scheduled for June 10, 2026. As Barna.News has previously reported, the date coincides with the centenary of Gaudí’s death.
A Feat of Engineering and Design
Workers meticulously planned the cross’s final assembly, culminating on February 20, when they lifted the last of its major components into place. According to details reported by La Vanguardia, the entire structure stands 17 metres high, equivalent to a five-storey building, with a width of 13.5 metres.
The cross comprises fourteen pieces of stainless steel and concrete, manufactured in Germany, showcasing international collaboration. However, its aesthetic finish is distinctly Catalan. Catalunya’s workshops and factories produced the gleaming cladding of glazed white ceramic tiles, interior stone, and glass.
Serious work on the cross began on November 30 last year, starting with the placement of the lower arm. Workers assembled the components, some weighing up to 24 tonnes, in a dedicated workspace 54 metres high, constructed above the basilica’s central nave. There, they painstakingly carried out the assembly, glass installation, and interior finishing before hoisting each section to the summit.
A New Vantage Point Over Barcelona
Once fully commissioned, the cross will serve not only as an architectural statement but also as a unique, visitable space, offering the city’s highest views. Visitors will begin their journey at the base of the Jesus tower, at an elevation of 85 metres. From there, a stone spiral staircase leads up to the tower’s terminal base at 142.5 metres.
Finally, a steel staircase ascends into the cross’s very heart. Inside, a stunning crystal Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) artwork, designed by acclaimed Italian artist Andrea Mastrovito, hangs within the upper arm. The four horizontal arms, pointing to the cardinal directions, will feature reliefs depicting scenes from Jesus’ life, with windows overlooking Barcelona.
While the cross is now visible, work continues on the terminal just below it. Scaffolding still cloaks the section bearing the Latin inscription “Tu solus Sanctus / Tu solus Dominus / Tu solus Altissimus” (You alone are the Holy one / You alone are the Lord / You alone are the Most High). Gaudí’s masterpiece is still some way from full completion, with the Glory Façade remaining the final, and most controversial, element. This project leaves hundreds of local residents in limbo over potential expropriations.
For now, however, the city celebrates a historic achievement. The cross’s unveiling is a powerful symbol of progress for the world-famous basilica, bringing a century-old architectural dream one monumental step closer to reality.
