After an astonishing wait spanning over 140 years, the iconic Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of five central towers.
This remarkable feat was announced by the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, and the construction of this architectural wonder, which commenced in 1882, is set to conclude with the addition of the sixth and final central tower, projected for completion in 2026.
The vision for the Sagrada Familia was masterminded by the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. His design envisions a monumental structure adorned with 18 colossal, spindle-shaped towers, each symbolizing a distinct biblical figure. These figures represent the 12 apostles, the four evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus.
The latest developments in this awe-inspiring project include the placement of the final sculptural piece on the tower dedicated to Matthew the Evangelist. Shortly after, the tower honoring John the Evangelist was crowned with the figure of an eagle.This achievement prompted an enthusiastic announcement from the church on their Facebook page, declaring, "The four towers of the Evangelists are finished! Soon we'll be celebrating this building milestone!"
A momentous inauguration mass is scheduled to take place at the cathedral on November 12, coinciding with the illumination of the four evangelist towers, which will remain lit throughout the Christmas season.
It is noteworthy that the towers of Mark and Luke were adorned with a lion and a fox, respectively, in the previous year. These four evangelist towers impressively stand at a towering height of 135 meters (approximately 443 feet).
In 2021, a grand 12-pointed star was placed atop the tower dedicated to the Virgin Mary, signifying its completion.
The remaining tower, representing Jesus Christ, will soar to a majestic height of 172.5 meters (566 feet) and will be crowned with a remarkable four-armed cross standing at 17 meters (56 feet) tall, according to the cathedral's plans.
In a historical context, the Sagrada Familia was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1984 and consecrated for religious worship by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. It is important to note that this extraordinary construction was carried out without proper authorization for 137 years until 2019 when Barcelona's city council finally issued a building permit. The discovery of this "anomaly" only came to light in 2016.
Once the Sagrada Familia reaches its full glory, it will claim the title of the world's tallest church, surpassing Germany's Ulm Minster in stature. This momentous achievement underscores the enduring legacy of Antoni Gaudí's architectural masterpiece and its significance in the world of art and religion.