Basilica of the Holy Family, Barcelona
The Basilica of the Holy Family in Barcelona is preparing to lift its central tower, which will reach 172 meters high, which will make it the highest Christian church in Europe. The completion of the structure is scheduled for the end of this year or early 2026, in the centenary of the death of its architect, Antoni Gaudi.
After More than a century Since the beginning of its construction, in 1882, the temple designed by Antoni Gaudí approaches a decisive milestone.
The director general of the foundation responsible for the basilica, Xavier Martínez, He said Thursday that his central tower “will be completed at the end of this year or early 2026”.
“It is an important moment in the history of the construction of the Holy Family, because it goes reach its maximum height”Martínez told Associated Press.“ We are used to seeing skyscrapers to rise in countries like the United States, but it is remarkable that, In the 21st century, if you are building a cathedral”.
With the conclusion of the gigantic Tower of Jesus Christ, the masterpiece of Gaudí will reach 172 meters high, Overcoming Ulmer Münsterin southern Germany, which has so far owned the 162 meter record.
The first pieces are already in place and the rest will be assembled in phases over the coming months. The structure will be crown and surrounded by Five more towers: One dedicated to Mary and four, slightly lower, consecrated to the evangelists.
The facades and the interior will continue to work for several yearsexplained the person responsible for the construction, Esteve Campswhich adds that the objective is to complete all work within a period of about a decade.
However, those responsible for the work remain reluctant to move forward with a forecast for the date of completion of the basilica. “We talked in something like 10 years, but it’s an estimate,” he told AFP agency Jordi FaulíArchitect Director of the Sagrada Familia Science Temple.
Next year is the Centenary of the death of Gaudí. To mark the ephemeris, the Basilica will organize several initiatives in your honor, evoking not only the sacred family but also Other notable buildings that the architect left in Barcelona and other Spanish cities.
O Pope Leo XIV He was invited to celebrate a solemn mass in memory of Gaudí on June 10, when the architect died in 1926 after being run over by an electric. Sagrada family guardians said they are waiting for a Vatican response in the coming weeks.
In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI enshrined the sacred family and attributed to him the status of smaller basilica.
The first stone of the Basilica was placed in 1882. Gaudí never waited to see the work completed in life and, When it died, only one of the 18 towers Projected was finished.
Fervent Catholic, Gaudí printed on the project a singular combination of Christian symbolism and organic forms.
In recent decades, the rhythm of construction has accelerateddriven by strong international tourist demand. The recipes of the entries finance the works. Last year alone, almost 5 million people visited the monument.
