Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia basilica achieved a significant milestone on February 20, 2026, as it reached its maximum height of 172.5 meters (566 feet) with the installation of the upper arm of the cross on the Tower of Jesus Christ. Although this architectural masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí remains unfinished, this remarkable achievement brings it closer to completion.
The crane’s operation on Friday marked the latest step in the ongoing construction of the Sagrada Familia, which gained the title of the world’s tallest church last year when another section of the central tower was affixed. This monumental basilica has been under construction since 1882, and while Gaudí envisioned a future where it would eventually be completed, he could never have anticipated that the work would extend beyond his lifetime. When he died tragically in 1926, only one of its many towers was completed.
Interest in the Sagrada Familia has surged in recent decades, transforming it into a major tourist destination, celebrated for Gaudí’s unique blend of Catholic symbolism and organic forms. Currently, work continues on the interior of the Tower of Jesus Christ, and visitors eager to see the newly installed cross will have to wait until its inauguration this summer, when the surrounding scaffolding is removed.
The completion of the cross is particularly timely, coinciding with festivities set for June to commemorate the centenary of Gaudí’s death. According to the basilica’s rector, Rev. Josep Turull, the cross features four arms, ensuring its visibility from all angles. Plans also include a beam of light shining from each arm, symbolizing the church’s role as a spiritual lighthouse, pending approval from the Barcelona city government.
Each year, millions flock to the Sagrada Familia, and the entrance fees play a crucial role in funding the ongoing construction efforts. This year holds special significance, as the Sagrada Familia will host multiple events to honor Gaudí’s legacy, which extends to other stunning architectural works both within Barcelona and across Spain.
Notably, the Sagrada Familia surpassed Germany’s Ulmer Münster, a Gothic Lutheran church that took more than 500 years to complete, in height and prominence. As this extraordinary basilica continues its ascent, there is great anticipation surrounding its anticipated completion and the lasting impact it will have on future generations. A prayer verse at the base of the newly installed cross encapsulates a sentiment of reverence: “You alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High.”