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German Basilica Cross En Route to Incomplete Sagrada Familia

Germany's scalable cross will shortly elevate the Sagrada Familia's tallest point, surpassing even the Ulm Cathedral's height. As Gaudí desired, it will now reach its maximum height.

German Basilica Cross Delivered for Installation at Incomplete Sagrada Familia in Spain
German Basilica Cross Delivered for Installation at Incomplete Sagrada Familia in Spain

German Basilica Cross En Route to Incomplete Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona is set to unveil a significant addition in the coming months – a massive cross, manufactured in Germany. This architectural marvel, nearly 100 tons in weight, will offer a panoramic view of the city upon installation.

According to Xavier Martí, head of the construction department, the basilica could be ready in about ten years, if everything goes well. However, if the construction of the Sagrada Familia relies solely on financial support from donations and ticket sales, its completion will likely be delayed by about ten years beyond the originally planned date around 2026, possibly finishing around 2036.

The cross is being fabricated by Joseph Gartner GmbH from Gundelfingen on the Danube in Bavaria, Germany. The special glass panels for the cross were manufactured in Spain, treated to reflect sunlight, creating a shimmering effect that symbolizes the light of Christ.

Inside the cross, there will be an internal staircase and platform structure, with an elevator going up to the foot of the cross. At night, the cross will be illuminated, with a beam of light emanating from each of its four arms.

The tower could not have been much higher than its current height as Antoni Gaudí, the architect of the Sagrada Familia, stipulated that the basilica should not be higher than the 177-meter high Montjuïc hill in Barcelona. Upon completion, the Sagrada Familia will reach a height of 172.5 meters, making it the church with the world's tallest tower, surpassing the Ulm Minster.

The Sagrada Familia's construction, which took more than 150 years, is relatively quick compared to famous other large churches like the Ulm Minster, where the construction took 513 years. The basilica's construction is funded solely by donations and entrance fees.

In 2024, 4.9 million visitors were counted, with total revenues of almost 134 million euros. A solemn mass will be held on June 10, to which Pope Leo XIV has been invited for the 100th death anniversary of Antoni Gaudí. The official inauguration of the cross is planned for June 10, 2023, the 100th anniversary of architect Antoni Gaudí’s death.

Esteve Camps, the chairman of the Sagrada Familia Foundation, expressed his excitement about the upcoming additions, "The cross is a symbol of hope, faith, and resilience. Its installation marks a significant milestone in the history of the Sagrada Familia and will undoubtedly become a beacon for the city of Barcelona."

Whether Pope Leo XIV will attend the mass is currently unknown. Regardless, the installation of the cross is set to be a historic event for the Sagrada Familia and Barcelona, further cementing its place as a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike.

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