{"id":5230,"date":"2025-10-30T16:50:08","date_gmt":"2025-10-30T15:50:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/?p=5230"},"modified":"2025-10-31T10:25:07","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T09:25:07","slug":"day-with-crane-operators-sagrada-familia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/en\/day-with-crane-operators-sagrada-familia\/","title":{"rendered":"Sagrada Fam\u00edlia crane operators: \u00abSeeing the project grow fills us with pride\u00bb"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>At nearly 200 meters above the ground, crane operators Joan Montoya, Rufino Gal\u00e1n and Jos\u00e9 Encina play a key role in the Sagrada Fam\u00edlia towering up into the Barcelona sky. With precise movements and millimetric coordination, they move and place huge pieces that bring Gaud\u00ed's dream to life. They have been working together for almost two decades, sharing manoeuvres, challenges, and anecdotes. Over the years, they have witnessed the Basilica transform from a structure without roofs to one with five towers, now anticipating the completion of the 172.5 metre tower of Jesus Christ in 2026, which will become the temple\u2019s tallest. Below you can get a behind-the-scenes insight into a day in their life:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Sagrada Fam\u00edlia crane operators: &quot;Seeing the project grow fills us with pride&quot;\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ziFDLGOIanI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Upwards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\">The three crane operators show up for work at the Sagrada Fam\u00edlia at half-past seven in the morning. Before climbing the cranes, they hold a technical meeting with Jaume Orom\u00ed, from the building department and head of auxiliary resources, to assign the day\u2019s tasks. Today is a big day: one of the arms that will form part of the cross of the tower of Jesus Christ must be moved 54 metres, from the space prepared on the roofs of the central nave where the finishing touches have been made, to the transept on the Passion fa\u00e7ade side, where it will remain until it is put into position. This movement is being made to clear space <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/en\/tower-of-jesus-cross-and-construction-progressing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> to assemble the new pieces of the cross<\/a>  that will be arriving over the coming weeks. \"It\u2019s not repetitive work. Every day brings something new\", says Rufino.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For today\u2019s shift, Joan Montoya has been assigned to the crane built on the tower of Jesus Christ, Spain\u2019s tallest. Rufino Gal\u00e1n is in charge of the other crane, located in the materials yard, where the Chapel of the Assumption and a section of the adjacent cloister are being built, while Jos\u00e9 Encina oversees supervision and coordination tasks. A third crane is currently being built to be used for the tower of Jesus Christ and the future Glory fa\u00e7ade. \u00abWe have a weekly schedule\u00bb, explains Encina. \u00abEvery week one of us operates the main crane and we work in shifts to ensure that there is no downtime. When one operator comes down for lunch, the other goes up. So, the work doesn\u2019t stop\u00bb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\">At eight in the morning, Montoya climbs up the crane. It takes about twenty minutes to get from the temple floor to the cabin. Three successive freight elevators take him to an <strong>external metal walkway located at a height of 130 metres that connects the tower with the crane<\/strong>. From there, he still has to climb the interior crane ladder until he reaches the cabin. When he finallysits in the seat, the Sagrada Fam\u00edlia stretches out beneath his feet and the sea can be seen on the horizon. \u201cWe have the best views of Barcelona\u201d, he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69d16c75cb238&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69d16c75cb238\" class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_037-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"gruista sagrada fam\u00edlia a trava\" class=\"wp-image-5234\" style=\"width:502px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_037-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_037-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_037-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_037-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_037-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_037.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69d16c75cb75b&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69d16c75cb75b\" class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_035-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"gruista sagrada fam\u00edlia a trava\" class=\"wp-image-5233\" style=\"width:505px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_035-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_035-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_035-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_035-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_035-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_035.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69d16c75cbb36&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69d16c75cbb36\" class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_133-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"grua sagrada fam\u00edlia\" class=\"wp-image-5240\" style=\"width:412px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_133-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_133-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_133-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_133-9x12.jpg 9w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_133.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><sub>Metal walkway connecting the crane to the tower of Jesus Christ, used by the crane operators to access the cabin.<\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:8px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Precision manoeuvres<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\">In the 54-metre-high workspace, Jaume Orom\u00ed observes and gives instructions via <em>walkie-talkie<\/em>. The first arm of the future cross of Jesus Christ must be moved with great precision. Montoya follows each instruction calmly. The piece rises slowly over the towers to avoid hitting with any architectural elements. The scene is impressive: the white arm of the cross being moved across the blue sky of Barcelona.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\">This manoeuvre is made possible thanks to the new crane built in May 2024, a German-engineered structure with a folding jib that offers greater freedom of movement while improving safety. In fact, unlike traditional horizontal tower cranes, this <strong>is a one-of-a-kind model in Spain that allows for performing very precise manoeuvres in vertical and confined spaces<\/strong>. It weighs around <strong>330 tonnes, can reach a height of up to 200 metres<\/strong>, and is equipped with a black box, similar to those on airplanes, which records all movements in real time. This constant control is of utmost importance in such a dynamic environment, where safety is paramount to ensure the work can coexist with visitors and the city alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For this reason, all three crane operators were sent to Germany to take a specialized simulation course for this crane model. \u00abIt\u2019s a very powerful machine that you need to be extremely familiar with. It gives you freedom of movement, but it also calls for a great deal of responsibility\u00bb, Montoya points out. Fifteen minutes later, the arm of the cross is placed in the desired location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69d16c75cc041&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69d16c75cc041\" class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_080-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"bra\u00e7 creu jes\u00fas\" class=\"wp-image-5236\" style=\"width:547px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_080-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_080-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_080-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_080-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_080-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_080.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><sub>One of the arms of the cross of Jesus Christ at the 54-metre workspace before the movement is performed<\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69d16c75cc3d0&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69d16c75cc3d0\" class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_093-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"bra\u00e7 creu jes\u00fas\" class=\"wp-image-5237\" style=\"width:548px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_093-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_093-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_093-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_093-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_093-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_093.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><sub>The arm of the cross rising above the towers<\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69d16c75cc7c9&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69d16c75cc7c9\" class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_108-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"bra\u00e7 creu sagrada fam\u00edlia\" class=\"wp-image-5238\" style=\"width:548px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_108-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_108-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_108-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_108-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_108-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_108.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><sub>The piece arriving at the Passion side transept, where it will remain until it is put into position<\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:16px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00abGaud\u00ed already sensed that the tools of his time would evolve\u00bb, he reflects. \u00abThe tower of Jesus Christ couldn\u2019t have been built using the systems of that time. But he himself wrote that we would need to evolve with the times. \u00abAnd that\u2019s what we do: bring his vision to life with the tools of today\u00bb, Montoya explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mid-morning, Montoya gets down from the crane and joins his colleagues in the breakfast area. They talk about work, but also about life: they have been colleagues for over eighteen years by this stage. In fact, Encina, the temple\u2019s most veteran crane operator, has been working here for 22 years. \u00abIt\u2019s not just a run-of-the-mill job. Each piece is valuable, and our mission is to place it in its exact spot. We\u2019re proud to do it but it comes with pressure\u00bb, says Galan, and adds: \u00abYou look back and remember that stone you placed, which sparks a memory for you\u00bb. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69d16c75ccc50&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69d16c75ccc50\" class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_063-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"grua sagrada fam\u00edlia\" class=\"wp-image-5235\" style=\"width:559px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_063-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_063-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_063-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_063-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_063-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_063.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><sub>The tower of Jesus Christ crane is a one-of-a-kind model in Spain: it\u2019s the tallest on the peninsula and has a luffing jib that offers greater freedom of movement and allows it to reach a height of 200 metres.<\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">\u00abIt\u2019s not just a run-of-the-mill job. Each piece is valuable, and our mission is to place it in its exact spot\u00bb<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:3px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the years, the three experienced colleagues have faced many challenges together: placing the star on the tower of Mary (the first tower they completed), the figures of the four Evangelists, or the first panels of the tower of Jesus Christ, weighing 23 tonnes. \u00abWe\u2019re only doing our bit\u00bb, they say.  They also recall some anecdotes: the day they saw the snowfall in Barcelona from the cabin, or that night during La Merc\u00e8 festival when Galan was in charge of the light projection on the Nativity fa\u00e7ade. \u00abWe have seen sunsets, lightning, rainbows... \u00abThese are unique moments that make you realise where you are\u00bb, they remember.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And when in a few years the cranes start being dismantled, they admit it\u2019ll feel strange, but at the same time they hope that day will come. \u00abIt\u2019ll be wonderful when we can remove them and marvel at the Basilica, because that means we\u2019ll have finished the job\u00bb, they state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the late afternoon, all three come down from working at height. With their feet on solid ground, another day draws to an end for the Sagrada Fam\u00edlia crane operators. Today, however, not everyone is quite finished work. On the occasion of the Diada (National Day of Catalonia), one of them stays behind to hoist the Senyera flag on the Passion fa\u00e7ade. A simple gesture that rounds off another proud day at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69d16c75cd10a&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69d16c75cd10a\" class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_010-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"gruista sagrada fam\u00edlia\" class=\"wp-image-5232\" style=\"width:465px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_010-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_010-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_010-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_010-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_010-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_010.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69d16c75cd4dd&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69d16c75cd4dd\" class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_043-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"gruistes sagrada fam\u00edlia\" class=\"wp-image-5268\" style=\"width:465px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_043-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_043-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_043-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_043-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_043-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250910_GRUISTES_043.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><sub>Rufino Gal\u00e1n in the crane cabin of the Chapel of the Assumption (left). Juan Montoya taking in the views from the footbridge (right).<\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">\u00abIt\u2019ll be wonderful when we can remove the cranes and marvel at the Basilica, because that means we\u2019ll have finished the job\u00bb<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A gaireb\u00e9 200 metres d&#8217;altura, els gruistes de la Sagrada Fam\u00edlia fan possible que la Bas\u00edlica continu\u00ef creixent i al\u00e7ant-se cap al cel de Barcelona. Amb moviments precisos i una coordinaci\u00f3 mil\u00b7lim\u00e8trica, mouen i col\u00b7loquen peces de grans dimensions que van donant forma al somni de Gaud\u00ed. <\/p>","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":5239,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[128,24],"class_list":["post-5230","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-obra","tag-grues","tag-obra"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5230","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5230"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5230\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5239"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5230"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5230"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sagradafamilia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5230"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}