The Sagrada Familia, the iconic temple of Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudí, is in a key phase of its construction. Those responsible have reported that the tallest tower, the tower of Jesus Christ, is scheduled to be completed in 2025. This tower will be the last of the six central towers still to be built. It will be crowned by an imposing cross that, in addition to its symbolic value, will function as a lookout with a capacity for 11 people, offering spectacular views of the city. Attendees at this year’s open house, which is being held from yesterday, September 21 through September 24, will be able to see a life-size prototype of one of its fragments.
Reconstruction of the Sagrada Familia
The architect in charge of the works, Jordi Faulí, has confirmed that the tower of Jesus Christ will be completed in 2025. At the end of this year, the last panel of the structure, which will have a total of 12, will be placed before proceeding to the installation of the cross. This cross, made of glazed ceramic, will be 17 meters high and 13.5 meters wide, bringing the total height of the Sagrada Familia to 172.5 meters. These imposing dimensions will make it one of the tallest religious constructions in the world.
The cross will weigh about 100 tons and, following Gaudí’s wishes, will be hollow, which will allow access. Gaudí had envisioned a glass cross that would reflect sunlight. Although the actual cross will not be made of glass, a glittering and sparkling effect will be achieved thanks to the diamond elements that will be integrated into its exterior design. Each of the four arms of the cross will have an octagonal shape, derived from a square that transforms through various rotations. In addition, from each arm will emerge a spotlight that will softly illuminate the Barcelona sky, creating a unique visual effect.
The internal capacity of the cross will allow up to 11 people to enjoy the viewpoint, making it an exclusive space within the church. The cross will rest on a terminal structure that will replicate the details of the Nativity façade and will be inscribed with a Latin phrase. “You alone are Holy; You alone, Lord; You alone, Most High,” a common proclamation at Eucharists.
Other important developments for 2025
In addition to the completion of the tower of Jesus Christ, 2025 will be a year of major progress in the construction of the Sagrada Familia. The chapel of the Assumption, located on the Provence Street façade, is expected to be completed. This chapel will reach 30 meters in height and will be crowned by a representation of the Virgin Mary, above which will hang a mantle of mercy supported by angels. Although the chapel will have direct access from the street, Faulí has pointed out that, for security reasons, it is not yet clear whether public access will be possible.
Work will also begin on the Gloria façade, the last of the large façades pending construction, which will be the main entrance to the church. The first tasks will include the raising of the eight columns that will support the towers of the façade, and although scaffolding will be erected on Mallorca Street, it has been guaranteed that it will not interrupt traffic.
However, one of the pending challenges for the Sagrada Familia is the construction of the staircase that Gaudí had planned as a monumental access to the temple. This work would imply the demolition of several residential buildings, something that has generated tensions with neighbors and the City Council. According to the Basilica’s general director, Xavier Martínez, negotiations have not yet advanced significantly, and the projected completion date of 2032 or 2033 does not include this staircase, but only those parts of the church for which permits are already in place.
Tourism and social impact
The Sagrada Familia continues to be one of Barcelona’s main tourist attractions. In the first eight months of 2024, it received more than 3.3 million visitors, with the United States as the country of origin of most of them (19%), followed by Spain (15%), France (8%) and Italy (7%). This flow of visitors underscores the importance of the temple as an economic and cultural engine for the city.
In addition, Sagrada Familia has announced a second call for its social action fund, this time endowed with 3.5 million euros, 50% more than the previous year. This fund is intended to co-finance more than 100 projects of third sector entities, strengthening the social commitment of the church. The bases for applying for these funds will be published on October 1, and the beneficiaries will be announced in March 2025.
With these advances, the Sagrada Familia continues to consolidate itself as a monumental work not only in architectural terms, but also as a social and cultural emblem of Barcelona, whose impact continues to grow worldwide.
Image courtesy of https://sagradafamilia.org, all rights reserved.
