Suffice to say, Barcelona is having a moment.
The city is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of Antoni Gaudí as the Year of Gaudí 2206, with the completion of the revered architect’s Basilica of the Sagrada Família, and Pope Leo XIV presiding over a mass and blessing for the now-finished Tower of Jesus Christ, drawing upwards of 4,000 guests.
The event, which cements Barcelona’s reputation as a top cultural destination, took place on June 10, exactly 100 days after Gaudí’s death.
Work on the tower commenced on October 16, 2018, and was completed on February 20, 2026.
“For over 140 years, the iconic Barcelona landmark progressed toward its definitive vertical design, a milestone fully realized on February 20, 2026, with the structural completion of its central Tower of Jesus Christ,” Sagrada Familia officials said.
“Crowned by a monumental cross, the central tower brings the basilica to its maximum final height of 172.5 meters,” they added. “This structural achievement officially makes the Sagrada Família the church in the world, permanently reshaping the city’s skyline exactly as Gaudí envisioned more than a century ago.”
All things considered, the completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ and the celebrations associated with Gaudí Year 2026 appear to be bolstering Barcelona’s popularity as a tourism destination.
“This unique milestone will strengthen Barcelona’s position as a cultural and architectural reference point in a particularly significant year, as the city also holds the title of World Capital of Architecture,” said Xavier Purcallà, communications director of Sagrada Família, in an earlier interview.
He noted that events and activities surrounding Gaudí Year 2026 appeal to faith-based travelers as well as those interested in culture, architecture, and art.
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