The tower of Jesus at the Sagrada Familia now bears the cross that crowns the highest point of the temple
Barcelona has recently experienced a historic moment. After more than 140 years of construction, the tower of Jesus at the Sagrada Familia now displays the great cross that crowns it, a symbol completing the highest point of the temple designed by Antoni Gaudí.
The installation of this monumental cross marks an important milestone in the history of the basilica and in the city’s skyline. With it, the temple reaches its definitive height and becomes the tallest church in the world, further consolidating its role as one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks.
Enjoy this video showing the monumental structure and the installation of the cross:
The tallest tower of Gaudí’s temple
The tower of Jesus is the tallest of the 18 towers planned in Gaudí’s original project for the Sagrada Familia.
With the placement of the cross, the tower reaches 172.5 metres in height, a figure carefully conceived by the architect. Gaudí wanted the temple to be imposing, yet respectful of creation: for this reason, he decided it should not exceed the height of Montjuïc, which in his time was the highest natural point in the city.
This detail reflects the architect’s profound spiritual and symbolic vision, as he conceived architecture as a dialogue between nature, art and faith.
A monumental and luminous cross
The cross that crowns the tower is a remarkable work of engineering and symbolism.
It measures approximately 17 metres in height and more than 13 metres in width, equivalent to a building of several floors. Its structure is composed of thousands of pieces of white ceramic and glass, designed to reflect sunlight during the day and shine at night.
The result is a three-dimensional cross that appears almost crystalline, visible from many parts of Barcelona and destined to become a new reference point in the city’s skyline.
Discover in this post of the Sagrada Familia how the cross was built.
A project begun in 1882
Construction of the temple began in 1882, and since then generations of architects, artisans and specialists have continued Gaudí’s legacy.
The placement of the cross on the tower of Jesus represents one of the most significant steps toward completing the basilica. Even so, the project is not yet fully finished: the great glory façade, which will become the main entrance to the building, is still pending.
The basilica continues to evolve, keeping alive a unique architectural project in the world.
How to visit the Sagrada Familia
Visiting the Sagrada Familia is an essential experience for anyone discovering Barcelona for the first time.
Practical tips for your visit:
• Reserve your tickets in advance to avoid long queues
• Early morning and late afternoon are usually the quietest times
• If possible, climb one of the towers to enjoy unique views of the city
The temple is about a 25-minute walk from Hotel Continental Barcelona, located at La Rambla 138, and about 15 minutes from Hotel Continental Palacete, at Rambla de Catalunya 30. You can also easily reach it by metro or bus from stations near the hotels.
A new symbol for Barcelona
With the new cross crowning the tower of Jesus, the Sagrada Familia enters a new chapter in its history.
More than a monument, the basilica is a living work that continues to grow and transform over time. The vision of Antoni Gaudí continues to inspire millions of people who visit Barcelona every year.
Today, when looking up at the city’s sky, the new cross atop the central tower reminds us that architecture can also be a symbol of beauty, hope and transcendence.
