Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia, in Spain, has reached a significant milestone in its 140-year-long construction journey, as the final two towers of the Evangelists were officially opened on Sunday afternoon.
The completion of the towers of Matthew and John – at 5.30pm yesterday – was commemorated with a blessing mass and the illumination of all four pinnacles for the first time.
The Apostolic Nuncio Mons. Bernardito Auza led the solemn mass inside the Basilica, joined by Cardinal Joan Josep Omella i Omella, Cardinal Lluís Martínez Sistach, and Auxiliary Bishop of Barcelona, Mons. David Abadías.
Following the mass, the towers of Luke, Mark, Matthew, and John were illuminated, along with the star on the tower of the Virgin Mary and the Nativity and Passion façades.
These lightings, visible both from the street and online, will continue daily until Christmas.
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The towers of the Evangelists, standing at 135 meters tall, are crowned with the tetramorph’s four winged figures, representing the men who told the story of Jesus’ life. The completion of the tower of the Evangelist Matthew, symbolised by a human figure, and the tower of the Evangelist John, featuring the figure of an eagle, marks the finalisation of this central group of towers.
Esteve Camps, deputy chairman of the Sagrada Família Construction Council, stated in an interview, “We’re in the final phase.” Only five towers remain unfinished, including that of Jesus and the four celebrants of the apostles.
The completion of the Jesus Tower is scheduled for 2026, aligning with the 100th anniversary of the death of renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, whose vision inspired the Sagrada Familia’s unique design.
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The Sagrada Familia, a symbol of Barcelona and a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture, attracts millions of visitors each year.
The basilica has been partially open to the public since 2010, and the full completion is anticipated by 2026, a testament to the enduring legacy of Antoni Gaudí’s visionary work.
The recent illumination of the Towers of the Evangelists adds a dazzling chapter to the saga of this architectural marvel.
As part of the celebrations, this weekend saw human towers outside the Nativity façade, with four groups contributing to the event.
The completion of the towers of the Evangelists will continue to be celebrated throughout November with various events, showcasing the gratitude of the Sagrada Familia to visitors and the people of Barcelona for their continued support.
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