"No, we don't have vertigo": two decades hanging from a dream called Sagrada Familia

Barcelona“We feel very fortunate to work here. The Sagrada Familia is an icon and a dream for any trade related to construction. But it is also a great responsibility, not only because of the history and symbolism of the building, but also for all the people we have under our feet every day”. These are the words of Joan Montoya, one of the three crane operators in charge of shaping the Sagrada Familia. For almost two decades, the three of them have been working hand in hand to finish one of the most anticipated architectural works of the century as soon as possible. “The truth is that it is a privilege to work on this project and, as crane operators, to be able to operate cranes of this capacity and work at such a height”, admits José Encina. Together with Rufino Galán, they form a team that has seen the Sagrada Familia in almost every possible form. They have shared anecdotes, challenges, and above all, maneuvers. Many maneuvers. The vast majority are millimeter-precise, requiring great coordination between them to move and place large-sized pieces. Each of their movements helps to materialize the dream that Antoni Gaudí had 144 years ago.

In the almost 20 years they have been together, they have gone from seeing the temple without a roof to raising six towers: those of the four evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus, which they are finalizing and is expected to be ready for 2026. This will be the cherry on top of a cake that will rise to 172.5 meters. It is a work that has transcended generations and through which an innumerable number of people have passed. Each one contributing their small grain of sand. “I often think about all the people who have worked on this construction since 1882. We don't even know the names of many of them, but they have all left a part of their effort and their craft here. I also think a lot about my father and all those who have passed on to us the way of working: doing things well, with responsibility and professionalism, even if it is often done discreetly”, declares an emotional Jaume Oromí, from the building department and head of auxiliary means.

200 meters in 20 minutes

Before eight in the morning, the three crane operators are already at the Sagrada Familia for a routine technical meeting with Jaume to review the tasks to be done during the day. Every week, work assignments are distributed according to a schedule, where they rotate between the crane installed on the Jesus tower – the tallest in Spain, weighing 330 tons and 200 meters high – the crane located in the materials yard, and the third, performing supervision and coordination tasks. At precisely eight o'clock, the person in charge of working on the tower of Jesus Christ begins a 20-minute ascent, from the base of the temple to the cabin, where they must pick up three hoists. The last one he leaves at the trava, an external metal walkway located at a height of 130 meters that connects the tower with the crane. That path of a few meters makes you feel tiny, with the entire city of Barcelona at your feet; however, it is not suitable for people with a fear of heights. “No, we don’t have vertigo. If we did, we wouldn’t be able to climb,” jokes Encina. After crossing it, all that remains is to climb the internal stairs of the apparatus to reach the cabin. Once seated in the seat, the feeling of being dwarfed is amplified, enjoying a privileged view of the city, where one can observe the unique patterns of the streets, along with the sea on the horizon. “Working on a construction site like this is an immense challenge, both because of its magnitude and its location. From up here we see Barcelona at our feet and we become aware of the real dimension of the project. When you work here every day, you can lose perspective a bit, but I try to constantly be aware of where we are,” says Oromí.

Giving shape to this work would not have been possible without the evolution of machinery and work tools available today. Antoni Gaudí was already aware that in his time, with the tools he had, it was impossible to erect this construction, but he knew that as the years went by, technology would evolve and that little by little his idea would be fully materialized. “After the Civil War, many plans were lost, but immense work was done to recover models and information to continue building the Sagrada Família as Antoni Gaudí imagined it. Obviously, today we have new technologies, new materials, and safety regulations that did not exist before. But the spirit of the construction remains the same. Techniques and generations change, but the essence is the same. I believe Gaudí would be happy with what we are doing,” acknowledges Joan Montoya, assuring that the final result will be faithful to Gaudí’s idea. “It is a privilege to be able to contribute to completing his architectural vision and also a great responsibility, because we try to be as faithful as possible to his spirit and his way of understanding architecture,” adds Jaume.

Precisely Oromí's role in the construction of the basilica has been fundamental. Jaume acts as the eyes of the crane operators; without his help, the lifting of the Jesus tower would not have been possible. Located on a platform 54 meters high, he observes and gives instructions by walkie-talkie, ensuring that all tasks are carried out with the utmost possible safety. The crane operators follow his instructions calmly so that no piece being transported collides with any architectural element. “No one can work alone here: what one person doesn't see, the other must see. We have to be all synchronized and in great harmony. We have the responsibility to move the work forward while minimizing any risk or inconvenience to the people around us. And this makes every day a great challenge,” recounts Jaume. Nevertheless, he does not want to overlook another very important element: the personal and professional satisfaction of being part of it. “There is a very intimate and emotional part to all of this, but also a great professional satisfaction. It is a work that can hardly give you more than it is already giving you. I believe that the Sagrada Família is already part of the collective imagination of the whole world,” he adds.

There isn't much left to see the Sagrada Família finished, specifically it is expected to be in 2035, when all the decorative elements are completed. Although there are still nine years until then, the three crane operators have agreed that it will be strange for them to see the basilica without any scaffolding or cranes, but they will be happy for all the work they have done. “Above all, we will feel pride. Being able to say that we have helped to finish a work that began more than 140 years ago is a very big thing,” says José Encina, smiling. When they finish, they will leave behind many anecdotes and special moments they have experienced in these years; like when Rufino placed the stopper, or when José saw the tower of the Virgin Mary finished, a moment that still excites him today when he remembers it. “After 18 years here, we feel that we are also part of the history of the Sagrada Família. Every year I make visits with family and friends and I explain to them all the evolution I have lived through: from when the central nave was still open and only scaffolding was visible, to today. We have gone through the pandemic and many important moments, always with the effort of the entire team to move this project forward. For me, the most special thing is precisely this whole journey,” concludes Montoya happily. When it is their turn to say “goodbye” to the architectural work, they will do so with their heads held high and with tears in their eyes, but yes, proud to have been part of one of the most important constructions in history.