On October 30 Barcelona’s skyline Sagrada Familia created history. A massive white cross was lifted into place on top of the central “Tower of Jesus Christ.” This marked the Sagrada Familia as the tallest church in the world. The church stands at 534.5 feet making it just over a meter taller than Ulm Minister, which had originally held the title as tallest church since 1890.
Antoni Gaudi designed the Sagrada Familia. The architect began construction in 1882. He took over the project in 1883 and devoted the rest of his life to building it. His goal was to blend Catholic symbolism with organic forms inspired by nature. He died in 1926, he left many detailed drawings for future architects to honor his vision which they have done. Since 2012 Jordi Fauli now serves as the chief architect. His main focus is the completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ. While he continues to work on the Glory Facade, sacristies, and chapels which is expected to be done around 2035.
Jordi Fauli tells reporters that while the church is now the tallest in the world, finale completion is still a decade away. He doesn’t have a detailed plan yet and the finale date is still not exactly known only an estimate.
The cross was placed on top of the first tower by a crane Thursday morning. The cross marks the beginning of the basilica’s final phase for completion. Once fully completed the central tower will by 566 feet. The church will also include 18 towers which each represents a different figure from Christian theology.
The cross is made from ceramic and glass making it gleam in the sunlight and is lit up as night. The cross is visible across Barcelona and is a symbol of divine light. This divine light guides the city and it’s people toward hope and unity.
The tower in which the cross was placed on has a huge significance to Antoni Gaudi. He intended for that tower to be the spiritual heart of the basilica. This tower is the tallest one signifying Jesus Christ as the focal point of creation and salvation.
