Sagrada Familia Nears Completion as Final Cross Takes Shape After 140 Years

After more than 140 years of continuous construction, Barcelona’s Sagrada Família is entering its most symbolic and visually striking phase. In January 2026, builders installed the fourth and final horizontal arm of the monumental cross that will crown the Tower of Jesus Christ, marking a decisive step toward the basilica’s long-anticipated completion.

Designed by Antoni Gaudí and begun in 1882, the Sagrada Família has evolved from an ambitious local church into one of the world’s most recognisable architectural landmarks and the tallest church ever built.

The completion of the cross places the Sagrada Família firmly in its final vertical form. The basilica surpassed all other churches in height in 2025, reaching 162.9 meters, and once the cross installation is fully finished later in 2026, the structure will rise to its intended height of 172.5 meters.

This moment coincides with the centenary of Gaudí’s death, adding historical and emotional weight to a project that defined his life and legacy.

A Monumental Cross Crowning Gaudí’s Vision

The cross atop the Tower of Jesus Christ is itself a feat of engineering and symbolism. Standing 17 meters tall and spanning 13.5 meters wide, it is roughly the height of a five-storey building. Each of its four horizontal arms weighs approximately 12.8 tonnes and features a complex geometry inspired by Gaudí’s original designs. The outer ends of the arms are square, while the inner sections shift into octagonal forms that connect seamlessly to the tower’s core, reflecting Gaudí’s fascination with natural, twisting structures.

Constructed using white glazed ceramic and glass, the cross was designed to shine both in daylight and after dark. At night, it will be illuminated by spotlights positioned on the surrounding towers of the Evangelists and Apostles, ensuring the pinnacle remains visible across the Barcelona skyline. Inside the cross, a dedicated space will house Agnus Dei, a sculpture by Italian artist Andrea Mastrovito, placed in accordance with Gaudí’s original symbolic plans.

The installation process combines modern technology with traditional craftsmanship. Large prefabricated sections are assembled offsite, then lifted and aligned with extraordinary precision using cranes and digital modelling tools. Once in place, artisans complete the final detailing by hand, ensuring every surface and junction reflects the artistic intent of the original design.

While the installation of the cross represents a historic milestone, it does not mark the absolute end of construction. Work on the expansive Glory Facade, envisioned as the basilica’s main entrance, is expected to continue into the 2030s. Yet the completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ signals the symbolic fulfillment of Gaudí’s vertical vision – a moment many believed would never arrive.

For Barcelona, the nearing completion of the Sagrada Família is more than an architectural achievement. It is the culmination of generations of dedication, faith, and craftsmanship, and a rare example of a living monument finally approaching the form imagined more than a century ago.

Whether it is ever truly “finished” may remain open to interpretation, but in 2026, the Sagrada Família will stand closer than ever to the vision that first inspired its creation.