On Thursday, just before starting a private tour at the Sagrada Família, we witnessed a breathtaking scene: the central body of the future cross of the Tower of Jesus being hoisted by crane and set into place at the top of the basilica. A feat of engineering that brings Barcelona closer to a long-awaited milestone.
The basilica reached 162.91 m, officially becoming the tallest church in the world, surpassing Ulm.
When the cross is completed, the ensemble will reach 172.5 m.
We’ve watched it grow (and that’s why this moment moves us)
Those of us who have guided here for years have accompanied the temple’s growth step by step. In recent years we’ve seen key milestones:
Tower of Mary (Virgin Mary): in December 2021 we saw the first lighting of its twelve-pointed star of glass and steel —7.5 m in diameter and 5.5 t— at 138 m high. It changed the skyline forever.
Evangelists’ Towers: in 2022 Luke and Mark (with the ox and the lion) were completed and first illuminated at Christmas; throughout 2023 Matthew and John were finished, completing the set with their tetramorphs.
Seeing the cross rise now is, for many, like placing the last great piece in the skyline Gaudí imagined.
What is the cross like—and what’s next?
The final cross will be 17 m tall and 13.5 m wide, with a geometry that evolves from a square base to an octagon and an exterior clad in white glazed ceramics and glass for strength and luminosity. After the central body, the arms and the upper finial will be installed.
Gaudí Year 2026: more than an anniversary
2026 is the Gaudí Year, marking the centenary of his death with a program of events led by the Consell Antoni Gaudí and the Departament de Cultura de la Generalitat, with activities across his works in Barcelona and Catalonia. The centenary has been declared an Event of Exceptional Public Interest (AEIP), and new proposals will be announced on official portals. On our blog we’ll publish a post with highlight activities, calendars, and how to weave them into your visit. Stay tuned.
Why this installation matters
Architectural milestone: it brings the project’s final reading—and silhouette—within reach.
Shared memory: visitors and guides alike have lived through each phase—Mary’s star, the Evangelists… and now the cross.
Cultural and tourism impact: the Sagrada Família funds the works through ticket sales and remains a global cultural beacon.
See it (and truly understand it) live
On our private tours we handle tickets and adapt the schedule to the basilica’s availability. Please note that tickets increasingly must be reserved further in advance, so don’t leave it to the last minute—book your private Sagrada Família tour with us.
Jaime Burgada — [email protected]
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