Sagrada Família installs fourth arm of Tower of Jesus Christ's cross-alike viewpoint

Barcelona's unfinished Sagrada Família basilica installed the fourth arm of the Tower of Jesus Christ's cross-alike viewpoint on Wednesday.

With the new feat, the cross is only missing the top arm and the interior sculpture named Agnus Dei to be completed. When the last pieces are placed, the temple will reach its planned height of 172.5 meters.

The fourth arm arrived a few days after the workers had lifted and placed the third one, and a few weeks after the two facing the Nativity and the Passion façades were installed.

Each arm has a square shape on the outside, which transforms into an octagon using geometrical forms. Each piece weighs 12.8 tonnes and measures 4.4 meters by 4.5 meters by 4.5 meters.

The cross-alike viewpoint, accessible only by foot, will measure 17 meters in height and 13.5 meters wide.

As it reads in the 'Àlbums de temple' books, mastermind architect Antoni Gaudí wanted the "cross to shine during the day, but make light during the night." This is why workers used white ceramic and glass: they are very shiny yet resistant materials.

The Sagrada Família basilica is expected to reach its highest point ahead of June, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the death of Gaudí. To honor the famous architect, there will be a large mass on June 10.

While still not confirmed, Pope Leo XIV is expected to visit the Sagrada Família during a trip to Barcelona in 2026. No date has yet been announced, and the trip itinerary is still a draft, but the plan has already been proposed to the Vatican.