Sagrada Familia Topped With Cross, Reaching Final Height
A cross was placed atop the Tower of Jesus Christ, raising the Sagrada Familia to 172.5 meters and set for an inauguration ceremony on 10 June, the church said.
Overview
Construction crews on Friday placed the upper arm of a four-armed cross atop the Tower of Jesus Christ, bringing the Sagrada Familia to its maximum height of 172.5 meters, the church said.
Work on the basilica began with its first stone in 1882, and the unfinished monument became the world’s tallest church last October after earlier sections of the central tower were lifted into place.
Chief architect Jordi Faulí called it “a joyful day,” and rector Rev. Josep Turull said the cross’s four arms follow Gaudí’s plan and bear a prayer verse at their base.
Gaudí conceived 18 towers; the Sagrada’s 172.5 meters now exceeds Germany’s Ulmer Münster at 161.53 meters, and the basilica draws about 5 million visitors annually with roughly €150 million in income.
A ceremony on 10 June to mark Gaudí’s centenary will inaugurate the tower, scaffolding is expected to be removed by then, and finishing work includes a south-facing facade and a Glory façade expected to take 10 years.
Analysis
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Sources (3)
FAQ
Construction began on 19 March 1882 under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, who resigned in 1883, after which Antoni Gaudí took over.
The main structure, including the central tower, is targeted for completion by 2026, the centenary of Gaudí's death, with decorative elements like the Glory façade expected by 2030-2032.
Funding comes primarily from visitor entrance fees of €15-€20 and donations, generating about €150 million annually to support the €25 million construction budget.
Remaining works include removing scaffolding by June 2026, completing the south-facing facade, and the Glory façade, which is expected to take 10 more years.
History
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