The iconic Sagrada Família in Barcelona has made significant progress this week, with the central tower dedicated to Jesus reaching a new milestone of 142.5 metres in height. This comes after the installation and adjustment of panels on the tower’s twelfth level.
Alongside the ongoing construction of the basilica, Barcelona City Council is investing in measures to manage the impact of tourism in the surrounding area.
A brief history of Sagrada Família
Designed by the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, construction of the Sagrada Família began in 1882. Initially overseen by architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, Gaudí took over the project in 1883 and transformed it with his distinctive vision, blending Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. Gaudí devoted the last 15 years of his life entirely to the basilica, but the project remained unfinished at the time of his death in 1926.
Despite numerous interruptions, including the Spanish Civil War, construction has continued over the decades. The basilica is funded entirely through private donations and ticket sales. Once completed, the Sagrada Família will feature 18 towers representing the Twelve Apostles, the Virgin Mary, the Four Evangelists, and Jesus Christ, with the central Jesus tower being the tallest.
Height reaches 142.5 metres, with more to come
The new height of 142.5 metres is a major achievement, though it is not the final goal. Work will continue in the coming months to install a pedestal for a large cross, which is set to be completed by 2025. When finished, the central tower will reach a height of 172.5 metres, solidifying its place as the tallest feature of the basilica.
While the work on the twelfth level took place within a temporary structure, it wasn’t immediately visible from the street. Simultaneously, a staircase was constructed within this structure, which will be accessible to the public in the future.
Unique staircase geometry
The newly built staircase is described by project leaders as unique in its geometry. Unlike conventional designs, the staircase will widen as it ascends, while the tower itself narrows. These converging forms will create a distinctive architectural feature.
Investment to relieve overcrowding around Sagrada Família
Barcelona will invest €15.5 million by 2027 to ease the pressure around the Sagrada Família. With a city population density of more than 16,000 residents per square kilometre, the additional 84,600 daily visitors to the Sagrada Família bring that figure to an extraordinary 134,000 people per square kilometre.
37 measures to manage tourist impact
The City Council plans to implement 37 measures aimed at reducing the strain on the area. These include banning street vendors, improving safety, and tackling issues like bus drivers creating informal rest stops. A specific measure will also ban drones from flying over the basilica.
The city aims to keep the Sagrada Família area appealing to both tourists and residents. Research by the City Council found that 7.4% of all tourist shops in the city are concentrated in the Sagrada Família district. This high density of tourist-focused businesses is pushing out local shops, making it harder for the area to maintain its character.
Also read: Visit the little sister of the Sagrada Familia in Toledo