{
  "id": 9939594,
  "title": "The secret behind the Sagrada Familia's final towers: Stone, steel and 21st-century glue",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/the-secret-behind-the-sagrada-familias-final-towers-stone-steel-and",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T07:40:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euronews",
    "slug": "euronews",
    "url": "https://www.euronews.com/2026/09/26/the-secret-behind-the-sagrada-familias-final-towers-stone-steel-and-21st-century-glue"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Sagrada Família, an architectural marvel in Barcelona, has been under construction for over 140 years. Architect Antoni Gaudí, known for his devotion to the project, saw it as a \"stone catechism\" meant to educate the faithful through symbolism. Gaudí passed away in 1926, leaving the basilica in the hands of his collaborators.\n\nIn recent years, the basilica has made significant progress, thanks to advancements in engineering and materials science. The final milestone, the Tower of Jesus Christ, stands at 172.5 meters tall, surpassing Germany's Ulm Minster as the world's tallest church.\n\nThe Basilica's construction relies on a combination of stone, steel, and a recent innovation: Loctite EA 9497, a two-component epoxy adhesive developed by German manufacturer Henkel. This adhesive is applied to bond the stone and steel, creating a single, durable structural unit. Over 30 kilograms of epoxy resin are used per panel during the 24-hour curing process.\n\nAdditionally, the modular construction of the towers has expedited the building process. The towers are divided into 826 modular panels, each consisting of over 2,100 stone pieces. These panels are pre-assembled at the quarry before being transported to the basilica, where they are lifted into position and assembled level by level with millimeter precision, much like building blocks.\n\nThe basilica's completion not only marks a significant achievement in architectural history but also a testament to Gaudí's vision and the ingenuity of modern engineering.",
  "summary": "An innovative modular construction system and 24 tonnes of structural adhesive have dramatically accelerated work on Gaudí's Sagrada Familia. More than 140 years after construction began, the Barcelona basilica is reaching one of the defining milestones in its extraordinary history.",
  "key_points": [
    "Sagrada Familia construction spans over 140 years",
    "Tower of Jesus Christ reaches 172.5 meters, tallest church",
    "Loctite EA 9497 epoxy adhesive bonds stone and steel"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}