Sagrada Familia, the famous incomplete church of Barcelona, ​​will finally be erected its central tower

The Director General of the Basilica, Xavier Martínez, said Thursday that “the tower will be finished at the end of this year or at the beginning of 2026”.

“This is an important moment in the history of the construction of the Sagrada Familia because it will reach its maximum height,” Martínez told the Associated Press. “We are used to seeing skyscrapers like those of the United States (Monttez), but it is remarkable that in the 21st century, we build a cathedral.”

Once the gigantic tower of Jesus Christ, the masterpiece of architect Antoni Gaudí will be 172 meters (564 feet). This will make him larger than the Ulmer Münster church in the south of Germany, which leads to 162 meters (531.5 feet).

The first parts are already in place and the rest will be added in phases in the coming months. Once finished, the structure will be crowned by a cross and closely surrounded by five other towers, a dedicated to Marie and four slightly shorter for the four evangelists.

Work on the facades and the interior will continue for several years, said the church church Esteve Camps, but the objective is to finish construction work in a decade in a decade.

100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death

Next year will be the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death. The church will organize several events to celebrate its heritage, which includes several breathtaking buildings in Barcelona and other places in Spain.

Pope Leo XIV was invited to a solemn mass to stand in memory of Gaudí on June 10, the day of his death when he was struck by a tram in 1926. Sagrada Familia officials said they hoped to have a Vatican response in the coming weeks.

Pope Benoît XVI devoted the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family in Spanish) and appointed it a minor basilica in 2010.

The first stone of the Sagrada Familia was placed in 1882. Gaudí did not expect it to be completed during his lifetime. Only one of his multiple towers was finished when he died.

A fervent Catholic, Gaudi incorporated both Christian symbolism and organic forms in its unique aesthetic.

The work has accelerated in recent decades when the basilica has become a major international tourist attraction. Entrance fees is used to finance current construction. Last year, 4.9 million people paid to visit it, with 15% of tourists from the United States.