The completion of the 176-meter Jesus Christ Tower at the Sagrada Família brings Antoni Gaudí’s grand architectural vision one step closer to fruition. This monumental tower, crowned by a striking cross, was officially blessed on June 10th, 2026, during a ceremony presided over by Pope Leo XIV. The event featured a vibrant light display that turned the tower into a luminous tribute to Gaudí’s enduring legacy, just in time for the centenary of his death.
The Tower’s Construction and Design
Envisioned as the envisioned silhouette and heart of the basilica, the Jesus Christ Tower stands at 172.5 meters. It is surrounded by the four towers of the Evangelists and the internally connected tower of the Virgin Mary. The construction began in October 2018, rising from an initial height of 85 meters. By December 2024, the final level reached 142.5 meters, paving the way for the pinnacle elements to lift the structure even higher.
Innovative Building Techniques
The tower utilizes a tensioned-stone construction method, incorporating both stone and steel. This allows for the prefabrication of large panels off-site, which are then assembled level by level. A key feature is the 29-meter-high base of the pinnacle, adorned with white enameled ceramic and brick, inscribed with a sacred text. This section began assembly in May 2025.
The crowning cross, measuring 17 meters high and 13.5 meters wide, consists of four corrugated arms. These are clad in glass and white enameled ceramic, crafted in Germany in 2025, and later transported to Barcelona. The final installation culminated through seven meticulously planned stages, with the upper arm being fitted on February 20th, 2026.
A Symbolic Milestone
The completion of the tower aligns with the centenary of Gaudí’s passing, deeply connecting this construction phase to the original architect’s extensive studies and designs. “Completion of the cross on the tower of Jesus Christ represents much more than the culmination of a phase of construction: it is the result of years of work and studying the legacy Antoni Gaudí left us,” remarked head architect Jordi Faulí.
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With the tower’s exterior now complete, focus shifts to the interior work, expected to continue through 2027 and 2028. This milestone reaffirms the Sagrada Família’s standing as a timeless symbol of devotion and architectural innovation.
The Sagrada Família’s towering presence, updated with the newly completed Jesus Christ Tower, not only honors Gaudí’s legacy but also symbolizes a steadfast commitment to finishing one of the world’s most extraordinary architectural treasures.
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Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com