Installation of Horizontal Arms of the Cross on Sagrada Familia’s Jesus Christ Tower is Complete
In January 2024, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona finished installing the four horizontal arms of the cross on the Tower of Jesus Christ. This key milestone marks the final phase of the tower’s construction, which is expected to be fully completed in June 2026, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the death of its architect, Antoni Gaudí.
Installation Details and Technical Specifications
According to official reports from the Sagrada Familia and various media outlets, the construction team successfully lifted and secured the fourth and final horizontal arm. This follows the installation of the lower arm, the central core, and the first two horizontal arms between October and November 2023. Each horizontal arm weighs approximately 12.8 tonnes, is 4 meters long on each side, and features Gaudí’s original double-twisted geometric design: the inner end is octagonal to connect to the tower’s core, while the outer end is square. The completed cross stands 17 meters high and 13.5 meters wide, finished with white glazed ceramic and glass to reflect sunlight during the day and be illuminated at night, fulfilling Gaudí’s vision for the cross to “shine day and night.”
Tower Height and Overall Status
The Tower of Jesus Christ is the tallest of the Sagrada Familia’s 18 towers. Upon completion, it will reach 172.5 meters, surpassing Barcelona’s current tallest building and making the Sagrada Familia the tallest church in the world. The basilica has already claimed this title thanks to the height of its previously completed towers, and the installation of the cross further solidifies its iconic skyline silhouette. The tower’s height adheres to Gaudí’s principle: it is slightly lower than Montjuïc hill, reflecting the idea that “the work of man should not surpass the work of God.”
Completion Timeline and Commemorative Significance
The Sagrada Familia plans to officially inaugurate the Tower of Jesus Christ in June 2026. This date coincides with the centenary of Gaudí’s death, and a series of commemorative events will be held. A formal invitation has been extended to Pope Francis, who plans to visit Spain, including Barcelona, in the summer of 2026. The remaining work involves installing the vertical arm, which will house the ‘Agnus Dei’ (Lamb of God) sculpture created by Italian artist Andrea Mastrovito.
Brief Construction Background
Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882. After taking over the project, Gaudí directed its design but only lived to see one of its towers completed. The project has long been funded by ticket sales from tourists and private donations. In recent years, construction has accelerated to meet the goal of completing the main structure by 2026.
