Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia nears a milestone with the 172m Tower of Jesus Christ—set to be Europe’s tallest church spire—realizing Gaudí’s iconic vision
Newsroom (24/09/2025, Gaudium Press ) Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia, the unfinished masterpiece of architect Antoni Gaudí, is nearing a historic milestone: the completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ, set to become Europe’s tallest church spire at 172 meters. The central tower, crowned with a luminous cross, will surpass Germany’s Ulm Minster, which has held the record since the 19th century at 162 meters. Flanking it will be five additional towers—one dedicated to the Virgin Mary and four representing the Evangelists—reshaping the city’s skyline and fulfilling Gaudí’s audacious vision.
Xavier Martínez, the project’s director general, told the Associated Press that the tower’s completion is expected by late 2025 or early 2026. “We are accustomed to skyscrapers defining the modern skyline,” Martínez said, “but it is remarkable that in the 21st century, a cathedral is still being built to such a scale.” The tower’s rise marks a pivotal moment for the basilica, which began construction in 1882 but remained incomplete when Gaudí was fatally struck by a tram in 1926, with only one tower finished. His design, steeped in Catholic devotion and inspired by natural forms, continues to captivate millions.
In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the Sagrada Familia, elevating it to the status of a minor basilica. During the ceremony, he praised its spiritual and artistic significance, declaring it “a visible sign of the invisible God, to whose glory these splendid forms soar.” He further noted that Gaudí’s work “unites truth and beauty in an inseparable way,” reflecting the architect’s aim to harmonize faith and creativity. The consecration, attended by thousands, marked a turning point, affirming the basilica’s place in both sacred and cultural history.
Yet the work presses on. Esteve Camps, the construction manager, estimates full completion around 2036, with ongoing efforts to refine the basilica’s intricate façades and interior. Funded primarily by entry fees from nearly 5 million annual visitors—15 percent from the United States—the project blends pilgrimage with tourism. Last year’s revenue underscored its global draw, sustaining the meticulous craftsmanship that defines Gaudí’s legacy.
Next June, the basilica will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death with events honoring his genius. Pope Leo XIV has been invited to celebrate a solemn Mass, a gesture that could link Gaudí’s spiritual vision to the universal Church. The Vatican’s response is pending.
The Tower of Jesus Christ is more than an architectural triumph. It embodies Barcelona’s enduring commitment to a project that weaves together faith, art, and civic pride. In a world of glass-and-steel skylines, the Sagrada Familia stands apart, its spires reaching for the divine. When the final stone is laid, it will not only claim the title of Europe’s tallest church but also affirm the power of sacred art to shape a modern city’s soul.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Zenit.org
Related Images:
