Sagrada Família Tower Marks Centenary With Emotional Gaudí Tribute as crowds gathered to honour the only spire the architect saw completed.
Exactly one century ago, on 30 November 1925, the Bernabé Tower rose for the first time before Antoni Gaudí’s eyes and the city’s gaze.
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The basilica hosted a moving ceremony this Sunday, commemorating a century of this iconic structure.
Sagrada Família Tower Marks Centenary With Visionary Legacy
The event drew a diverse crowd from across Catalonia and beyond. Families, visitors and curious onlookers filled the temple square from early afternoon. Consequently, they celebrated a work that has transcended generations and continues to inspire awe. The ceremony began with the original tubular bell of the tower ringing at half past five. Subsequently, the voices of the ‘Cor Infantil Amics de la Unió’ choir filled the space with music.
The central part featured a dialogue between the temple’s director of works, Dr Jordi Faulí, and Gaudí specialist Dr Chiara Curti. Faulí emphasised that the Bernabé Tower represents the beginning of a unique architectural language. Furthermore, he highlighted the coincidence of this centenary with the first Sunday of Advent. He also announced that the future Tower of Jesus Christ, reaching 172.5 metres, will be inaugurated in June 2026. This timing coincides with the centenary of Gaudí’s death.
Meanwhile, Curti situated the tower within Europe’s great cathedral tradition. She explained Gaudí’s innovative use of traditional forms like the catenary curve. The researcher noted this tower was the first inaugurated because it’s the most eastern on the Nativity Façade. Therefore, it receives the first sunlight each day. Cardinal Joan Josep Omella, Archbishop of Barcelona, described Gaudí as “a believer who knew how to transform faith into visible art.”
Among the most emotional moments, the Castellers de la Sagrada Familia built a human tower in the crowd. This act symbolised cooperation, strength and balance. The celebration concluded with a performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria by the children’s choir. Afterwards, attendees could visit a special exhibition dedicated to the Bernabé Tower’s century of history. Due to large crowds, organisers implemented queue systems to manage the flow safely.
The event served as a powerful reminder of Gaudí’s enduring vision. It united history, architecture, faith and music in a celebration that will remain in attendees’ memories. The ceremony underscored how this century-old landmark continues to shape Barcelona’s cultural landscape. According to the original report, the tower’s illumination represented both a historical milestone and a living testament to collaborative creation.
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