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After more than 140 years of waiting, the construction of five central towers of Barcelona’s famous Basilica of the Holy Family (Sagrada Familia) has been completed. The sixth and last central tower, planned for completion in 2026, will finish the construction of the church that began in 1882. The church project was designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. A total of 18 spindle-shaped towers were planned, symbolizing various biblical figures. The final sculptural element was installed on the tower of the Evangelist Matthew, and the tower of John the Evangelist was crowned with an eagle figure. On November 12, an inaugural mass will take place with the illumination of the four towers of the evangelists. The towers of Mark and Luke are already decorated with the figures of a lion and a fox, respectively. The height of the four evangelists’ towers is 135 meters. The Tower of the Virgin Mary was completed at the end of 2021 with the installation of a huge 12-pointed star at the top. The remaining tower, symbolizing Jesus Christ, will be 172.5 meters tall and will be topped with a four-armed cross 17 meters high.
03.10.2023
Planning a Barcelona trip and want a clear, no-stress route?
Below: quick highlights + practical blocks for travelers.
Five central towers finished — a major milestone after 140+ years.
Final central tower: 2026 — expected to complete the project begun in 1882.
18 towers planned in total — each symbolizes a biblical figure.
Tower heights: 135 m (evangelists), 172.5 m (Christ) + a 17 m cross.
Virgin Mary tower — completed in late 2021, topped with a huge 12-point star.
What’s been completed — and why it matters
Sagrada Familia has reached another historic threshold: five central towers are now completed, and the remaining central tower is planned to be finished in 2026.
The project is credited to Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (as stated in the source text).
A total of 18 spindle-shaped towers were planned, representing biblical figures.
Evangelists: figures, symbols, and height
The final sculptural element was installed on the tower of the Evangelist Matthew.
The tower of John the Evangelist was crowned with an eagle figure.
Mark’s tower is decorated with a lion figure.
Luke’s tower is decorated with a fox figure.
An inaugural mass is set for November 12, including the illumination of the four evangelists’ towers.
The four evangelists’ towers are 135 meters tall (as stated in the source).
Virgin Mary tower and the Christ tower
The Tower of the Virgin Mary was completed at the end of 2021 and topped with a huge 12-pointed star.
The remaining tower, symbolizing Jesus Christ, is planned to reach 172.5 meters and be finished with a four-armed cross 17 meters high.
What to do around Sagrada Familia
If Sagrada Familia is on your list, plan time for the neighborhood too: a relaxed walk, a café stop, and a few photo breaks make the visit feel complete.
Go for soft light: early morning and late afternoon often look best for facades and details.
Build a “Gaudí day”: grouping landmarks reduces back-and-forth travel time.
Plan ahead: for popular attractions, booking early helps avoid wasting time in lines.
Suggested itinerary: 1 day
With just one day, pick one anchor attraction and keep the rest nearby — it’s the easiest way to feel the city without rushing.
Morning: Sagrada Familia + an easy neighborhood walk (coffee included).
Midday: a compact city-center route with a few short stops for views and plazas.
Evening: dinner and a slow stroll — Barcelona shines when you don’t overpack the schedule.
Suggested itinerary: 2 days
Two days lets you spread things out: one for Gaudí and architecture, the other for the city vibe and the waterfront (at your pace).
Sagrada Familia as the main highlight + walkable neighborhoods for architecture details.
City center viewpoints and a coastal walk (or museums/markets, depending on your mood).
How to get to Barcelona (simple logistics)
For an easy trip, focus on three basics: flight times that fit your days, a straightforward airport transfer, and a neighborhood that minimizes commuting.
Flights: try to land at a time that gives you real city time, not just transit.
Transfer: pick based on luggage and schedule (public transport vs taxi/shuttle).
Walkability: fewer long rides usually means a fuller, calmer experience.
FAQ: Sagrada Familia and the central towers
What was completed at Sagrada Familia?
The source text states that five central towers have been completed.
When is the final central tower expected to be finished?
The source mentions a planned completion in 2026.
When did construction of the church begin?
The text says construction began in 1882.
Who designed Sagrada Familia?
The source credits Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.
How many towers were planned in total?
The text says 18 spindle-shaped towers were planned, symbolizing biblical figures.
How tall are the evangelists’ towers?
The source states that the four evangelists’ towers are 135 meters tall.
What symbols are mentioned for the evangelists?
The text mentions an eagle (John), a lion (Mark), and a fox (Luke), plus the reference to Matthew’s tower.
What’s special about the Virgin Mary tower?
The source says it was completed at the end of 2021 and topped with a huge 12-pointed star.
How tall will the Christ tower be?
The text states 172.5 meters, topped with a four-armed cross 17 meters high.
