The Sagrada Família installs the final horizontal arm of the cross of Jesus Christ

The cross on the tower of Jesus Christ now has its fourth arm. A crane lifted the piece to more than 160 metres. Only the upper arm and the interior sculpture remain. The inauguration will take place on 10 June, in the midst of the Gaudí Year. Discover all the details of the installation.

The Sagrada Família has taken a key step in the construction of the tower of Jesus Christ: this Wednesday, the fourth and final horizontal arm of the cross crowning the tower was installed, leaving the structure almost ready for its inauguration.

The operation, carried out with a crane, lifted the piece to more than 160 metres in height. Workers fitted the arm together with the other three pieces that make up the cross, thereby completing the horizontal part of the structure.

All that remains now is the placement of the upper arm, which will be the final piece on the exterior of the cross. In addition, the sculpture of the Agnus Dei, the work of Italian artist Andrea Mastrovito, will be installed inside, following Antoni Gaudí’s original design.

The arms of the cross follow Gaudí’s characteristic double-twist geometry, with a square shape at the outer end and an octagonal one inside. Each weighs around 12.8 tonnes and measures 4.40 x 4.50 x 4.50 metres.

Gaudí conceived the cross so that it would shine by day and be lit at night. It is therefore made of glazed white ceramic and glass, materials that reflect light. Spotlights will also be installed in the towers of the Evangelists to illuminate the whole.

Construction of the cross began at the end of October. Since then, the lower arm, the core and the horizontal arms on the Nativity and Passion sides have been installed. Once finished, the cross will measure 17 metres high and 13.5 metres wide.

The completion of the tower of Jesus Christ will coincide with the celebration of the Gaudí Year, which commemorates the centenary of the architect’s death. The inauguration is planned for 10 June, in an event that will pay tribute to Gaudí and his legacy in Barcelona.