After 141 years of hard work, the four main towers of La Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Gaudi’s stunning basilica church and iconic symbol of Barcelona, are finally complete.
Once the sixth and final central tower are also built, which is expected to happen in 2026, the construction of the church, which started in 1882, will be fully completed. The year of 2026 has special significance, as it coincides with the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudí’s death.
According to a recent statement issued by Spain’s official tourism website, Turespana, the magnificent church has been a beloved part of Barcelona’s skyline for years. Still, the constant presence of the scaffolding has become a familiar sight to both locals and foreigners.
The scaffolding on the four towers will be taken down shortly, bringing a new era to Sagrada Família, which is also the final resting place of its famous architect.
The same authority said the team responsible for the UNESCO-listed site is now focusing on finishing the central tower, which symbolises Christ. At its peak, this tower will feature a statue of Jesus, an addition that will elevate the Sagrada Familia’s status as one of the tallest churches in the world.
In addition, Turespana noted that the fame of La Basílica de la Sagrada Família derives mainly from its incomplete state, and the construction process has been hampered by the lack of comprehensive plans left behind by Gaudí himself.
The four entirely constructed towers are decorated with sculptures representing winged figures associated with the Evangelists, including an ox, an eagle, a human and a lion, as confirmed by the foundation of the church.
The foundation responsible for managing the construction of the church, The Junta Constructora del Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, also added that along with two other sculptures completed last year, these four sculptures represent the Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, who are traditionally recognised as the authors of the canonical Gospels that narrate the life of Jesus.
These structures currently reach a height of about 442 feet or 135 meters, positioning them as the third tallest towers within the overall design of the church, which will be even taller upon completion.
Countless generations of Spaniards have witnessed the continuous construction of the monumental church, with its tall, partially finished Spiers, often hidden by scaffolding and accompanied by the presence of cranes. In a critical moment, in November 2010, Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the church as a basilica and held a mass within its holy walls, attended by a total of 7,000 people.
