In February 2026, an important milestone was reached in the construction of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona. With the installation of the upper arm of the monumental cross, the exterior structure of the basilica’s tallest tower—the Tower of Jesus Christ—was finally completed.
Although interior works will continue through 2027 and 2028, the skyline of Barcelona now features the highest architectural point of the basilica: the cross that crowns its central tower.
The Highest Point of the Temple
The newly installed cross represents the highest element of the entire Sagrada Família complex. Measuring approximately 4.5 × 4.5 metres at its base and nearly 5 metres in height, it completes the group of six central towers that dominate the basilica.
These towers represent:
- the Tower of Jesus Christ
- the four towers of the Evangelists
- the Tower of the Virgin Mary
Together they form the spiritual center of the temple originally conceived by the visionary Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.
According to Gaudí’s plans, the central tower would rise above the crossing of the basilica and culminate in a monumental cross visible from across the city.
The Tower of Jesus Christ
The Tower of Jesus Christ is the central and tallest tower of the Sagrada Família, reaching a height of 172.5 metres.
Architecturally, the tower has twelve sides and is built from twelve levels of prefabricated stone panels. Construction of these panels began in October 2018, starting at about 85 metres above ground.
A modern tensioned-stone construction system was used. This technique combines steel reinforcement with large stone panels, allowing the components to be manufactured off-site and later assembled at the basilica.
The final structural level was completed in December 2024, bringing the tower to 142.5 metres before the pinnacle construction began.
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Tower of Jesus Christ under construction at the Sagrada Família
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The central tower of the Sagrada Família during the installation of its upper structures.
The Inscribed Pinnacle
Above the structural body of the tower rises a 29-metre-high pinnacle decorated with inscriptions praising Jesus Christ.
The Latin text reads:
“Tu solus Sanctus, tu solus Dominus, tu solus Altissimus.”
This phrase translates to:
“You alone are the Holy One, you alone the Lord, you alone the Most High.”
The inscription is created using white enamelled ceramic and brick, surrounded by decorative palm motifs.
Construction of this section began in May 2025.
The Monumental Cross
The crowning element of the tower is a three-dimensional cross with four arms. The structure is clad in glass and white enamelled ceramic, designed to reflect sunlight and illuminate the skyline of Barcelona.
The cross measures:
- 17 metres in height
- 13.5 metres in width
The installation was completed in several stages:
- Lower arm installed — October 2025
- Central core assembled
- Four lateral arms installed
- Upper arm added — 20 February 2026
With the placement of the final piece, the tower reached its definitive architectural form.
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Cross arms being installed on the Sagrada Família tower
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Cranes lifting the elements of the monumental cross into place.
An International Construction Effort
The cross itself was manufactured in Germany before being transported to Barcelona in modular sections.
The project involved several locations:
- Structural components: produced in Germany
- Ceramic tiles and stone elements: manufactured in Catalonia
- Glass cladding: produced by local workshops
The modules were first assembled on a construction platform 54 metres above the central nave, before being lifted into position by cranes.
The Lamb of God Sculpture
Inside the upper arm of the cross will be placed a sculpture of the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) created by Italian artist Andrea Mastrovito.
This element was inspired by Gaudí’s original vision, which placed the Lamb of God at the center of the cross symbolizing Christ’s sacrifice.
A Tribute to Gaudí
The completion of the cross is especially symbolic because 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Antoni Gaudí.
For the current architectural team led by Jordi Faulí, this milestone represents both a tribute to the architect’s legacy and a step toward finishing the basilica.
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Completed cross on the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família
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The completed cross crowning the tallest tower of the Sagrada Família.
What Comes Next for the Sagrada Família
Although the exterior of the Tower of Jesus Christ has now been completed, the work on the basilica continues.
Interior construction and finishing work inside the tower are scheduled to continue through 2027 and 2028.
For visitors and residents of Barcelona alike, however, the installation of the cross already marks a historic moment: the moment when the Sagrada Família finally gained its highest and most symbolic architectural element.
