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Earlier this month, two massive cranes were painstakingly erected over Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Família basilica, marking the beginning of the final phase of construction on the unfinished project that began in 1882.
Designed by famed Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and under construction for the last 140 years, the church combines Gothic and Art Nouveau forms into what is widely considered to be among the most beautiful and transportive buildings on Earth. (Not for everybody, though. George Orwell once called it the "ugliest" building in the world.)
The Sagrada Família is now cruising toward its expected 2026 completion with the help of a pair of Liebherr cranes, chosen for their high lifting capacity and adaptability to the dense urban environment of central Barcelona.
After crews finished the four towers of the Evangelists in November 2023, there is only one more spire to complete the group of six central towers, the last major phase of the project. These cranes will play a crucial role in the completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ, the pinnacle of the basilica that will reach a height of 564.3 feet, officially making it the tallest church in the world.
"The construction department of the Sagrada Família chose these cranes for two main reasons: firstly, their folding design minimizes the impact on surrounding buildings, and secondly, their adaptability to the area's specific requirements," said Fernando Villa, director of construction and technology at the basilica.
Stunning photographs provided by Liebherr to Newsweek show the cranes coming into place high above the streets of Barcelona.
'Future of Modern Catalonia'
The completion of the Sagrada Família will not only fulfill Gaudí's vision but also represent a significant achievement in modern engineering and construction. Gaudí once described the basilica as representing "the future of modern Catalonia."
Gaudí first took over the project in 1883 and transformed it into a landmark of Catalan modernism. His sudden death in 1926—he was hit by a tram crossing the street—left the church only about 20 percent completed.
Throughout its construction, the Sagrada Família has faced numerous obstacles. The Spanish Civil War in the 1930s halted progress, and many of Gaudí's original plans were lost or destroyed in a fire. More recently, construction was paused during the Covid pandemic. But a resurgence in tourism post-pandemic has helped to provide the necessary funds to push the project towards completion at long last.
In recent years, advancements in construction technology and increased funding from Barcelona's tourism coffers have accelerated the pace of work. Last year, approximately 4.7 million people visited the attraction. Ticket sales, which range from $28 to $43, generated about $135 million, half of which is allocated to construction efforts.
One notable challenge came with the discovery in 2016 that the church had been built without a proper building permit, a situation described as a "historical anomaly" by city officials. This was rectified in 2019, allowing construction to proceed legally for the first time in 137 years.
The use of modern construction techniques has been instrumental in completing Gaudí's vision. Prefabricated stone panels have been employed to speed up the construction of the remaining towers, a method recommended by engineering firm Arup.
Gaudí's influence extends beyond the Sagrada Família. His architectural works, such as Park Güell and Casa Batlló, are also major tourist attractions in Barcelona. But the basilica is his masterpiece, and the structure is now on track to be completed in time for the centennial of his death.
"The Chapel of the Assumption is expected to be finished in 2025 and the Tower of Jesus Christ in 2026," according to La Sagrada Família Foundation. Minor decorative and sculptural work is likely to continue through the end of the decade, and there remains a debate over how to construct a stairway to the main entrance that would, under current plans, force the dislodging of hundreds of families and businesses.
When asked, a century ago, why the project was taking so long, Gaudí is famously quoted as saying: "My client is not in a hurry."
Correction 07/09/24, 8:48 a.m. ET: This article was updated to correct a spelling of Antoni Gaudí's name.
