Gaudí’s Basilica Completed After 144 Years
The final piece of the central tower of the Sagrada Familia has been successfully installed, marking a historic milestone for Barcelona’s iconic basilica. After 144 years of construction, the church has now reached its maximum height of 172.5 meters, officially becoming the tallest church in the world.
The newly placed structure — a 17-meter-high steel and glass cross — crowns the tower dedicated to Jesus Christ. Work had been delayed for several days due to strong winds, but on Friday at 11 a.m., the upper section was carefully lifted into position, completing the central tower.
A Historic Achievement for Barcelona
The Sagrada Familia, designed by renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, is now Barcelona’s tallest building. Gaudí devoted the final years of his life to the basilica, which has become one of the most recognizable religious landmarks in the world.
Jordi Faulí, the project’s chief architect, described the day as emotional and celebratory. “It’s been a joyful day, wonderful for all the people who have made it possible,” he said as Catalan and Vatican flags were raised during the ceremony.
A formal celebration is scheduled for June 10, marking the centenary of Gaudí’s death in 1926. The basilica was previously consecrated in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI.
From Construction Site to Global Icon
Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882. For decades, the site remained open to the sky, with stone masons and craftsmen working alongside millions of tourists who helped fund the project through ticket sales.
Over the past 15 years, significant progress has transformed the interior into a breathtaking architectural masterpiece. Gaudí’s signature geometric designs create a luminous atmosphere, with tree-like columns rising toward the ceiling and stained-glass windows casting vibrant colors across the white stone interior.
Today, the basilica defines the Barcelona skyline much like the Eiffel Tower defines Paris or the Empire State Building defines New York.
Controversy and Reconstruction
The Sagrada Familia has long divided opinion among locals. British writer George Orwell once called it “one of the most hideous buildings in the world.” During the Spanish Civil War, anarchists destroyed Gaudí’s original drawings and plaster models.
Years later, architects painstakingly reconstructed the designs. In the late 1970s, New Zealand architect Mark Burry utilized advanced software originally developed for rocket design to help bring Gaudí’s complex geometry to life.
Despite criticism — particularly of the Passion Façade created by sculptor Josep Maria Subirachs — the basilica remains unmistakably Gaudí’s vision.
What’s Next for the Sagrada Familia?
Although the central tower is now complete, work continues. The construction of the grand south-facing Glory Façade is expected to take another decade. Artists Miquel Barceló, Cristina Iglesias, and Javier Marín have been commissioned to submit design proposals.
The Sagrada Familia remains Barcelona’s top tourist attraction, welcoming approximately 5 million visitors annually and generating around €150 million in revenue each year. Roughly half of that income has been allocated to construction.
After nearly a century and a half, Gaudí’s masterpiece stands closer than ever to completion — a powerful symbol of faith, perseverance, and architectural innovation.
