Sagrada Família installs central piece of cross on tallest tower

The Sagrada Família took another step toward completion on Friday with the installation of the second element of the cross atop the Tower of Jesus Christ.

The stem of the cross was put in place on October 30, making the Sagrada Família – already Barcelona's tallest building – the tallest church in the world.

Once the arms and the highest point of the cross are installed, the Sagrada Família will reach a total height of 172.5 meters.

The latest piece installed forms the core of the cross, with six octagonal faces. It will connect the arms of the cross.

The piece features curved surfaces decorated with ceramic triangles to create smooth transitions between the arms.

Each side of the piece measures 4.70 metres, and the entire section weighs 16.5 tonnes.

Placing the core on top of the stem of the cross marks further progress in the construction of the Tower of Jesus Christ, the tallest of the Sagrada Família's central towers.

The completion of the tower in 2026 will coincide with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death.

A series of commemorative events will take place throughout the year. Catalan president Salvador Illa met with Pope Leo XIV and invited him to the inauguration of the tower.