The ceremony may be attended by the Pope himself.
The famous Temple of the Holy Family in Barcelona has reached its maximum height. A 17-meter white cross has been erected above the tower of Jesus Christ.
More than a century after the construction began, the iconic basilica of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona has reached its maximum height. At the top of the tower of Jesus Christ, in the central part of the church, now stands a 17-meter white cross.
"Today is the day we have been eagerly waiting for. Everything went well, very well," said the project's chief architect, Jordi Fauli, to reporters.
The interior of the tower of Jesus Christ is still under construction, and its exterior is surrounded by cranes and scaffolding, which will be removed by the opening of the tower in June.
This event coincides with the centenary of the death of architect Antonio Gaudí, and the consecration of the tower of Jesus Christ is scheduled for June 10. There are rumors that Pope Leo XIV will attend the event, but the Vatican has not yet confirmed plans for his visit to Spain.
The tower of Jesus Christ, rising above the city at 172.5 meters, is one of 18 towers originally envisioned by Gaudí.
He designed Sagrada Familia over 140 years ago, with the first stone of the temple laid in 1882. However, Gaudí did not anticipate that the construction of the church would be completed during his lifetime.
The tallest church in the world
The world-renowned church has experienced numerous setbacks that have delayed its completion: from the Spanish Civil War to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In October of last year, Sagrada Familia became the tallest church in the world after another part of its central tower was raised into place. At that time, it surpassed the spire of the Gothic Lutheran church Ulm Minster in Germany, which has been under construction for over 500 years.
Millions of tourists visit this iconic monument every year, with around 4.8 million tickets sold for 2024. The entrance fee largely funds the ongoing construction, which is not expected to be fully completed for at least another ten years.
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