The Sagrada Família completes the tower of Jesus Christ with installation of the monumental cross | News
Barcelona has reached a historic architectural milestone with the completion of the exterior of the central Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família. On February 20, 2026, the upper arm of the monumental cross was installed, completing the highest and most emblematic tower of the temple.
This achievement coincides with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death and provides a symbolic tribute to the visionary architect whose legacy continues to define Barcelona’s skyline and global cultural identity.
The highest point of the temple
The Tower of Jesus Christ is 172.5 meters high and forms the central core of the six central towers of the basilica. It is surrounded by the four Towers of the Evangelists, each connected by bridges, and the Tower of the Virgin Mary, which is internally connected to the central tower. The structure has twelve facades and consists of twelve levels of stone panels, built using a post-tensioned stone system that combines stone and steel.
The final panel level was completed in December 2024, reaching a height of 142.5 meters. The final base of the tower, which is 29 meters high, bears the inscription in honor of Jesus Christ – “Tu solus Sanctus, tu solus Dominus, tu solus Altissimus” – made of white glazed ceramic and brick, surrounded by sculpted palms. Construction of this section started in May 2025.
A cross touching the sky
The tower is topped by a four-armed three-dimensional cross, covered with white glazed ceramic and glass. With a height of 17 meters and a width of 13.5 meters, it will now be the tallest architectural element of the basilica.
The cross was manufactured in Germany in 2025 and largely assembled on site in Barcelona. It was transported in modules and pre-assembled on a work platform 54 meters above the nave before being lifted into place in seven main parts: the lower arm, the central core, four side arms and finally the upper arm, which was installed today.
The upper arm will house the sculpture of the Agnus Dei, created by the Italian artist Andrea Mastrovito, fulfilling Gaudí’s original vision of placing the Divine Lamb on the top of the cross.
A milestone year for Barcelona and Catalonia
The completion of the cross represents much more than the end of a construction phase. As the basilica’s chief architect, Jordi Faulí, states, the basilica is “the result of years of work and study of the legacy left to us by Antoni Gaudí, and a determined commitment to continue working towards the completion of the Sagrada Família.”
Throughout 2026, commemorative events will commemorate the centenary of Gaudí’s death, celebrating his lasting influence on architecture, art and spirituality. The pinnacle of the Tower of Jesus Christ reinforces Barcelona’s position as one of Europe’s most extraordinary cultural capitals and highlights Catalonia’s unique architectural heritage.
Interior work on the tower will continue in 2027 and 2028.
