After a wait that has lasted more than 140 years, five of the central towers of Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia have finally been completed. And for this reason, an inauguration mass will be held on November 12, 2023, where the towers will be illuminated until Christmas.
For its part, the construction of the sixth and last central tower, which is expected to be completed in 2026, will mark the total completion of the temple.
The five central towers of La Sagrada Familia, a monumental achievement
The completion of the five central towers of the Sagrada Familia represents a monumental achievement in the history of architecture and construction. Each of these towers is a masterpiece in its own right and together they create a breathtaking view of the Barcelona skyline.
Recently, the towers of Matthew the Evangelist and John the Evangelist were crowned with their respective figures: an eagle and a lion. These events mark the culmination of the “four towers of the evangelists”.
In previous years, the towers of Mark and Luke also received their crowns: a lion and a fox, respectively. These towers rise majestically to a height of 135 meters, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the city of Barcelona.
The last tower represents Jesus Christ
The only tower that remains to be completed is the tower of Jesus Christ. In fact, it will be the tallest of all at 172.5 meters and crowned by a cross that will reach 17 meters in height. This tower will stand as an iconic symbol of the city and the Christian faith.
Once the sixth central tower is completed in 2026, the Sagrada Familia will have achieved its original vision and become a complete monument that will attract visitors and pilgrims from all over the world.
The Sagrada Familia: a constantly evolving architectural landmark
The Sagrada Familia is much more than just a building. It is an architectural landmark and a unique expression of Gaudí’s creativity and vision. Its revolutionary design has been admired and studied all over the world.
The construction process of the Sagrada Familia has been long and full of obstacles. Despite Gaudí’s death in 1926, only 10% to 15% of the original project had been completed. The Spanish Civil War and legal challenges contributed to the delay in construction. However, in 2019, a construction permit was finally granted, allowing progress toward completion of the project.
The Sagrada Familia seeks to become the tallest church in the world above the Ulm Cathedral in Germany. This architectural landmark will continue to inspire future generations and serve as a reminder of the human capacity to create beauty and expression through architecture.
