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Sagrada Família Tops Out After 144 Years
8 Jun
Summary
- The Sagrada Família church reached its final height of 566 feet in February.
- A cross was installed atop the central Tower of Jesus Christ, completing the structure.
- The church is planned for a de facto grand opening in 2026.
More than 144 years after construction began, Barcelona's Sagrada Família has achieved its final height. In February, a cross was installed atop the central Tower of Jesus Christ, bringing the basilica to its full 566 feet. This significant milestone comes after decades of delays due to wars, politics, and funding issues.
The church is preparing for a de facto grand opening in 2026, a date chosen to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of its visionary architect, Antoni Gaudí. Despite ongoing non-structural work, the inauguration will mark a new phase for the iconic monument.
The final architectural piece, a cross weighing 100 tons, was manufactured in Germany and assembled on-site. Its design aimed to reflect Gaudí's reverence for nature and mastery of engineering, using modern materials like concrete and stainless steel for strength and reduced weight.
Funding for the "expiatory temple" relies on donations and visitor revenue, which saw a significant rebound in 2025 with nearly 5 million visitors. However, the project faces ongoing controversy regarding the proposed staircase for the Glory Facade, which could impact local residents and businesses.
Despite the completion of the central tower, interior work is expected to continue until 2028. The future of the Glory Facade, particularly the proposed staircase and its potential demolition of nearby buildings, remains a point of contention between the construction board and local residents.
