The central "Jesus Tower" of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona was completed this month, raising the structure to 172.5 meters [1].
The achievement fulfills the vision of architect Antoni Gaudí and makes the basilica the tallest church in the world [1, 2]. The timing coincides with the 100-year anniversary of Gaudí’s death on June 10, 2026 [1, 2].
Construction of the basilica began in 1882 [2]. The completion of the main tower marks 144 years of work on the site [3]. While the central spire is now finished, the entire basilica remains incomplete. Some surrounding residential buildings must be demolished before the full project can be finalized [1].
Chief sculptor Etsuro Soto contributed to the final stages of the tower. Soto focused on interpreting the intentions of the original architect to ensure the work remained faithful to the design.
"I felt that I had to think about what Gaudí tried to do but left unfinished, and I had to find that," Soto said. "By questioning the stone, I can have a dialogue with Gaudí through the stone," he said [1].
The project has evolved from a local parish church into a global landmark. The Jesus Tower serves as the focal point of the structure, symbolizing the culmination of over a century of architectural effort, and craftsmanship [1, 2].
“The central tower reaches 172.5 meters, making the basilica the tallest church in the world.”
The completion of the Jesus Tower represents a symbolic victory for the Sagrada Família, aligning the architectural milestone with the centennial of Gaudí's death. However, the remaining legal and logistical disputes regarding surrounding residential properties mean the basilica cannot yet be declared fully finished, highlighting the tension between historic preservation and urban development in Barcelona.
