Construction continues in Barcelona on one of the world’s most iconic temples — the Sagrada Familia. This week, builders completed the installation of the first horizontal element of the massive cross that will soon crown the central tower dedicated to Jesus Christ. This milestone marks a significant chapter in the history of a project that has been ongoing for over a century.
The installation took place high above the city, offering breathtaking views. When finished, the Jesus Christ Tower will reach a height of 172.5 meters, making it the tallest church tower in the world. Even today, the Sagrada Familia stands above all other buildings in Barcelona, its silhouette recognizable far beyond the city limits.
Technical challenges and innovative solutions
Each part of the cross must be installed with absolute precision. A single component weighs around 11.3 tons and measures approximately 4.5 meters in length, width, and height. Modern cranes and specialized mounts are used for lifting, as even the smallest mistake could cause delays or damage.
Interestingly, the cross itself is made up of six large parts. The lower element was installed back in October last year, followed by the central node that connects all the other sections. This week, the team secured the first horizontal ‘arm,’ which faces the Nativity Façade (Façana del Naixement). The next piece will be directed toward the opposite side, the Passion Façade (Façana de la Passió).
Sculptures and interior space
Inside the cross, as envisioned by Antoni Gaudí, a sculpture of the Agnus Dei by Italian artist Andrea Mastrovito will be installed. The cross will be hollow, and visitors will be able to go inside to enjoy panoramic views of Barcelona and experience the unique atmosphere of this place.
One of the installation photos shows an eagle sculpture by Xavier Medina-Campeny, crowning the tower dedicated to Saint John. The eagle appears to be watching as another section of the cross is lifted into place.
Plans and Expectations
In the coming weeks, the remaining three parts of the cross will be delivered to the tower. They will be lifted onto a 54-meter-high platform, where glass panels will be installed and interior work will be carried out. After that, the final assembly will begin, completing the cross atop the tower.
Builders note that modern technology allows Gaudí’s visions to be realized in ways that were impossible during his lifetime. According to one of the crane operators, the architect himself foresaw that future generations would have new tools and methods to bring his grand ideas to life.
Final Stage and What to Expect
The completion of the Jesus Christ tower is scheduled for 2026. This date is not coincidental: June will mark one hundred years since the death of Antonio Gaudí, and Barcelona is preparing to celebrate the anniversary with large-scale events. The city is considering a possible visit from Pope Leo XIV (Papa León XIV); however, there is no official confirmation yet.
With each new stage, the Sagrada Família comes ever closer to completion, and its architectural and engineering solutions continue to amaze both Barcelona residents and visitors. The installation of the first horizontal element of the cross is not only a technical achievement, but also a symbol of faith, creativity, and the continuity of generations.
