Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Família has officially become the tallest church in the world after workers mounted the first section of a giant cross on top of its central tower. With the latest construction milestone, the basilica now rises to 162.91 metres, inching past Germany’s Ulm Minster, which had held the record since 1890. The moment marks another historic step in the long, complex journey of the Spanish landmark, which has been under construction for more than 140 years.
Designed by visionary Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, the basilica has dominated Barcelona’s skyline since construction began in 1882. Gaudí joined the project a year later, abandoning the original conventional plans and replacing them with a far grander and spiritually symbolic architectural vision. He intended the basilica to reflect the Christian story in every stone, tower and façade, and it soon became regarded as his life’s greatest masterpiece. Funding initially came from private donations, especially from worshippers seeking redemption, reflecting the project’s deep religious roots.
At the time of Gaudí’s death in a tram accident in 1926, only a single tower of the intended 18 had been completed. The unfinished basilica then passed into the hands of the Sagrada Família foundation, which continued construction over the decades using a combination of Gaudí’s surviving models, modern architectural techniques and financial contributions from millions of visitors. Tourism eventually became the backbone of its funding, transforming it into one of the most visited cultural sites in Europe.
The basilica’s timeline has faced numerous setbacks. During the Spanish Civil War, the crypt was torched by Catalan anarchists, destroying plaster models, original plans and sketches that would have guided future architects. The loss forced the team to reconstruct Gaudí’s vision from fragments and photographs. Most recently, the Covid-19 pandemic brought construction to a standstill as international tourism collapsed, causing a sharp drop in funding and pushing back key deadlines.
Despite the interruptions, construction resumed and major progress followed. The Tower of Jesus Christ, now crowned with the first segment of its illuminated cross, will continue to rise over the next few months. Once complete, the tower will reach a final height of 172 metres, securing the basilica’s place among the world’s tallest religious structures. The milestone aligns with the foundation’s plan to finish the main architectural work in 2026, a date chosen to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death.
Sagrada Família’s General Director, Xavier Martínez, confirmed earlier this year that the centenary celebration will include a range of cultural and religious events honoring the architect, who is buried in the basilica’s crypt. Even after the central structure is finished, work will continue on sculptures, decorative elements and the grand staircase leading to the main entrance—tasks expected to stretch over the next decade.
