The majestic image of the Sagrada Família that appears on our cover today is a tribute to Antoni Gaudí, on the centenary of his death, and to the city of Barcelona itself for having this fabulous architectural jewel. There are only a few days left until June 10, when, in the presence of Leo XIV, the coronation of the Jesus tower and the anniversary of Gaudí’s death will be solemnized. It is possible that the people of Barcelona are not aware of the global impact that the completion of these works will have, making the Sagrada Família, with its 172.5 meters in height, the tallest church in the world.
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Esteve Camps himself, delegated president of the temple’s construction board, admits that they are “scared” by the flood of requests to attend this solemn event with the Pope and the visits that are piling up these days. They have reached 17,000 daily visitors, and this does not include the impact that the formal event with Leo XIV will have.
The City Council, Generalitat, and the ecclesiastical authority must be well aware that this global attraction will require a great imaginative effort to reconcile the thousands of visitors with the usual life of the people of Barcelona. Up to 40,000 people pass through the area daily, according to municipal estimates. The City Council has various initiatives underway to ease the area and is also willing to discuss with the temple’s management the construction of the Glory façade, which involves the demolition of buildings located on Mallorca street.
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But while this is coming, Barcelona will be the cover and center of world attention in the coming days. In light of this event, La Vanguardia has published a new collectible in the Grandes Temas series that will go on sale next Thursday. And one of our photographers, Mané Espinosa, has done an exceptional job with a drone team to be able to take these photos that appear today in our newspaper. The Sagrada Família has never been seen like this, with the Jesus tower finished. The temple is a source of pride for everyone, beyond the religious beliefs that each person may have. It is the great icon of Barcelona.
Read more A pride for Barcelona
