Presbytery and High Altar

We find ourselves in front of the presbytery, the most important part of the Temple. Located at the head of the central nave, it is delimited by 10 columns and elevated 2 meters above the floor level of the Basilica. The main altar is located there, where the Eucharistic liturgy is celebrated, the preeminent celebration and reason for the assembly. You can also see the organ and seating for 140 concelebrants. The stained glass windows are the work of Joan Vila-Grau.

Now observe the dome of the apse, it is covered with a golden mosaic, which represents a triangle within a circle, as a symbol of the Trinity (triangle), which is within the world (circle) that it has created.

The main altar, that structure that you have before you in the shape of a table, is a block of porphyry, from Iran, roughed on the sides and polished on the top.

Now observe the baldachin, traditionally, it is a kind of dome or canopy that shelters the Altar. In this case, the baldachin hangs from the two basalt columns that are aligned with the altar, dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Its structure is metallic and heptagonal in shape, alluding to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, intelligence, counsel, strength, science, piety and fear of God. Inside, a lighting system highlights the inscriptions.

Observe the ears and clusters in allusion to the symbols of the bread and wine of the Eucharist. Below, seven lamps hang on each side that, added to the main one, total 50 in reference to the 50 days that Easter lasts.

The Glory prayer covers its entire perimeter in backlit red Gaudian calligraphy.

Finally, from the canopy hangs an expressionist crucified Christ, the personal creation of the artist and architect Francesc Fajula. Baked earth work that could be said to be carnal due to the exceptional realism of its finish, natural patina based on waxes. Although a majority of observers, upon seeing the profile image, get the feeling that he appears naked, this is not the case. Seen from the front, it can be seen that the hips are covered by a slightly taut veil.

This High Altar was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI on November 7, 2010.