Barcelona’s Sagrada Família has reached a historic milestone, with its Jesus Christ Tower now surpassing the height of both Torre Mapfre and Hotel Arts. This achievement makes Antoni Gaudí’s temple the tallest urban building in the Catalan capital, permanently altering the city’s skyline. The project is entering its final phase as elements for the large, three-dimensional cross, which crowns the structure, are installed.
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This terminal, standing 29 metres tall, represents a feat of engineering and symbolism. It will culminate the masterpiece of Catalan Modernism. The tower’s completion is set for 10 June 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death. At this point, the Sagrada Família will reach 172.5 metres in height, remaining just below Montjuïc mountain, which stands at 177.72 metres. Gaudí himself established this height limit, believing that human work should never surpass nature.
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Intricate Design and Construction
The Jesus Christ Tower is notable not only for its height but also for the complexity of its terminal. This section comprises two main parts: a 12-metre base and a four-armed cross, measuring 17 metres high and 13.5 metres wide. The cross’s arms incorporate Gaudí’s characteristic double-twist geometry. Inside, they house 50,000 hand-painted pieces, each contributing to the intricate design. Each of these arms weighs over 11 tonnes, according to Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia Tower Installed. Once installed, they feature an octagonal shape where they connect to the core and a square form at their ends.
These unique ceramic pieces were fired directly at Ceràmica Cumella, a business located in Granollers. The Sagrada Família Construction Board has not yet disclosed when the tower’s interior will open to the public. However, a glass lift will be installed to provide access to the cross’s interior. This area will become the city’s highest viewpoint, with officials expecting it to open next year. The cross will have a limited and exclusive capacity, accommodating approximately 10 people at a time. Therefore, managing visits will be a challenging task that remains to be defined.
A New Public Viewpoint
The completion of the Jesus Christ Tower marks a significant moment for Barcelona. It not only redefines the city’s visual landscape but also adds a new, exclusive attraction for residents and tourists alike. The future viewpoint will offer unparalleled panoramic views, enhancing Barcelona’s appeal as a global destination. This final stage of construction brings Gaudí’s vision closer to its full realisation, cementing the Sagrada Família’s status as an architectural marvel and a symbol of Catalan heritage.
Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta – Urban Life. Read original article.
