Sagrada Familia Tower Reaches Final Height of 172.5 Meters
Historic Milestone Marks 144 Years of Construction
The Jesus Christ Tower at Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia basilica reached its final height of 172.5 meters on Friday, February 20, 2026. Workers installed the upper arm of the crowning cross after weather delays. This news marks a monumental achievement after 144 years of construction.
Cross Installation Details
The installation took place at 11 a.m. using a specialized crane. Strong winds had delayed the work for several days. The cross stands 17 meters tall and spans 13.5 meters wide. Craftsmen manufactured it in Germany during 2025 using white enamel ceramic and glass.
Moreover, sculptured windows allow sunlight to create a shimmering effect. The assembly required seven separate pieces over several months. Workers placed the lower arm on October 27, 2025. Additionally, they installed the four horizontal arms in January 2026. The final upper arm completed the structure.
Tower Design and Significance
The Sagrada Familia tower now stands as the world’s tallest church. It serves as the central structure surrounded by four Evangelist towers and the Virgin Mary tower. Consequently, this architectural composition creates a striking skyline presence.
Construction of the panels began in October 2018 from 85 meters. Engineers used a post-tensioned stone system with steel reinforcement. The final panel reached 142.5 meters on December 4, 2024. Furthermore, the cross interior houses a sculptural work depicting the Lamb of God. Visitors will enjoy 180-degree panoramic views of the city.
Timeline and Future Plans
The basilica’s construction began in 1882 under the original designer’s vision. The official tower opening is scheduled for June 10, 2026. This date commemorates the centennial of the master architect’s death. However, interior work continues until 2027 or 2028.
Therefore, full completion is expected around 2034. The lead engineer emphasized this milestone as a tribute to the original design legacy. Remaining challenges include exterior staircase installations. Meanwhile, the global news community celebrates this architectural achievement.
Looking Ahead
This historic moment represents generations of dedication to a singular vision. The tower completion transforms Barcelona’s skyline permanently.
What architectural legacy will this completed basilica leave for future generations?
A Quick Architectural Snapshot
The Sagrada Familia tower rises 172.5 meters in Barcelona, Spain. The crowning cross measures 17 meters tall and 13.5 meters wide. Materials include white enamel ceramic, glass, and steel-reinforced stone panels. Construction began in 1882 and continues toward projected completion in 2034.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
A project spanning 144 years cannot be read solely as an engineering achievement. It functions as a behavioral document about the relationship between religious institutions and time, money, and symbolism.
Funding based on donations and tourism produced a timeline that defies market logic. The absence of return-on-investment pressure permitted an accumulation of slow construction decisions that never repeat in any contemporary commercial context.
The decision to achieve the title of world’s tallest church is not a structural decision. It is an identity decision through which the city repositions itself touristically and symbolically.
The selection of building materials such as ceramic and glass at the highest point reveals a visual priority over long-term maintenance considerations.
This building is not the product of a single engineer. It is the inevitable outcome of an institution that chose symbolic continuity over temporal efficiency.
