Sagrada Familia reaches full height as central cross is installed

Barcelona's Sagrada Familia will reach its full height after a cross is placed atop the Tower of Jesus Christ at 172.5 metres, while construction and interior work continue and scaffolding remains in place.

Barcelona's Sagrada Familia is set to reach its full vertical height after a crane positions the final section of a cross atop the Tower of Jesus Christ. The tower will stand at 172.5 metres, and the basilica is already recognised as the world's tallest church. Construction began in 1882 and has continued across generations; Antoni Gaudí died in 1926 with only one of the planned spires completed. Interior work on the central tower continues and scaffolding still surrounds parts of the building. Key facts: - The cross will top the "Tower of Jesus Christ," bringing the structure to 172.5 metres (566 feet). - Construction on the Sagrada Familia began in 1882; Antoni Gaudí died in 1926 at age 73 with one spire completed during his lifetime. - The basilica surpassed Germany's Ulmer Münster last October to be recognised as the world's largest church at its current height of 172.5 metres versus Ulmer Münster's 161.53 metres. - Scaffolding around the central tower is expected to be removed by June in time for the inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ and centenary events marking 100 years since Gaudí's death. - Millions of visitors fund much of the ongoing construction through entrance fees. - The cross has four arms so it can be recognised from any direction, and plans include light beams from each arm if Barcelona's city government permits them. Summary: Installing the cross marks a visible milestone by bringing the Sagrada Familia to its planned full height after 144 years of construction. Scaffolding removal is scheduled ahead of June centenary events, but further interior work and other elements remain, and the timeline for final completion is undetermined at this time.