‘A joyful day’: final piece of Sagrada Familia’s central tower put in place

The Guardian World

by Stephen Burgen in Barcelona

February 20, 2026

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The final piece of the central tower of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia has been installed, marking a historic milestone 144 years after construction began. The completion of the towering glass cross atop the Jesus Christ dedicated tower culminates in the church reaching its maximum height of 172.5 meters, solidifying its status as both Barcelona’s tallest building and the world’s tallest church. After several delays due to unfavorable weather conditions, including strong winds that halted progress for days, the intricate upper section of the 17-meter-high cross was successfully winched into place on Friday morning, symbolizing the near-realization of Antoni Gaudí’s lifelong vision. Antoni Gaudí, the renowned Catalan architect, dedicated much of his career to the Sagrada Familia, transforming it from a modest project into an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church has long been a symbol of artistic and architectural innovation, blending Gothic elements with unique modernist designs. The completion of the central tower not only crowns Gaudí’s masterpiece but also represents the culmination of over a century and a half of dedicated craftsmanship. Despite facing numerous challenges, including funding shortages and the interruptions caused by the Spanish Civil War, construction has steadily progressed, with the project now entering its final stages. This achievement holds significant cultural and historical importance, not only for Spain and Catalonia but for the global architectural community. The Sagrada Familia is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious and complex buildings in the world, blending spiritual devotion with cutting-edge design. Its completion will further enhance Barcelona’s status as a hub of artistic innovation and draw even more international visitors to

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/20/2026