Barcelona's Sagrada Família Reaches Historic Milestone: Jesus Christ Tower Exterior Complete

Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Família has just achieved another remarkable milestone in its century-long construction journey. The exterior structure of the Jesus Christ Tower has been finished, with the final piece—a sculptural arm of the three-dimensional cross—successfully installed last Friday. Rising 172.5 meters into the sky, this tower now holds the distinction of being the world’s tallest church structure, cementing the basilica’s position as an unparalleled architectural marvel.

An Achievement Spanning Generations

The path to this completion reflects the enduring vision of the masterpiece’s designer, Antoni Gaudí. When Gaudí passed away in 1926, only one of the planned 18 towers had been finished. For nearly a century, successive generations of architects and workers have labored to bring his ambitious vision to life. The Jesus Christ Tower represents the fourteenth completed tower, marking substantial progress toward the basilica’s ultimate completion. According to reports from Ming Pao, this advancement underscores the dedication required to realize such a monumental artistic vision.

Standing Taller Than Ever: A Monument to Ambition

The technical accomplishment cannot be overstated. The 172.5-meter Jesus Christ Tower transforms the Barcelona skyline and surpasses previous records for the tallest church in the world. Each tower in Sagrada Família’s design carries profound symbolic meaning, and the completion of this particular tower—representing Christ—holds special significance within Gaudí’s overall architectural philosophy.

Looking Forward: Interior Work and Official Unveiling

While the exterior has reached completion, the project remains far from finished. Interior renovations continue at a steady pace, with various sections undergoing meticulous restoration and installation work. The basilica is set for an official unveiling tentatively scheduled for June 10, an especially poignant date as it marks the centenary of Gaudí’s death. This timing symbolically connects the past master’s passing with the realization of his greatest work, creating a powerful moment for architecture and culture worldwide.

The Jesus Christ Tower’s completion represents not merely a construction milestone, but a testament to human perseverance and artistic ambition that has transcended generations.