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Barcelona’s renowned Sagrada Familia basilica marked a significant milestone in its protracted construction journey, which commenced 141 years ago. A resplendent light show illuminated on Sunday, November 12, its latest architectural additions, the final pair of the four Towers of the Evangelists, signifying the iconic edifice’s steady progression towards completion.
The recently completed Sagrada Familia’s towers, soaring to 135 meters, are dedicated to Evangelists Matthew and John. They were finalized in September, adorned with sculptures representing a human bust and an eagle. Their counterparts, the towers honoring Luke and Mark, embellished with cow and lion sculptures, were finalized last year.
In a solemn ceremony within the basilica, Archbishop of Barcelona Juan Jose Omella consecrated these new structures prior to the commencement of the spectacular light display. Upon the basilica’s eventual completion, these towers will rank as the third highest, surpassed only by the Tower of Jesus Christ. This central tower, a pivotal element of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s grand design, remains under construction.
The project’s developers anticipate the completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ by 2026, which will coincide with the centenary of Gaudi’s death. While the basilica’s construction committee originally aimed for a 2026 completion of the entire structure, the unforeseen delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic have adjusted this timeline.
Esteve Camps, the chairperson of the committee’s board, optimistically projected in an interview with La Vanguardia, a local newspaper, that barring significant setbacks, the Sagrada Familia “will be finished within a maximum of 10 years.” This statement reaffirms the commitment to conclude this monumental task, a blend of spiritual dedication and architectural ingenuity that continues to captivate the world.
With AFP
