Barcelona’s magnificent Sagrada Família has officially claimed the title of the world’s tallest church. This monumental achievement was marked by the placement of the initial section of a cross atop its central tower, bringing its total height to an impressive 162.91 metres. This new stature means it has now surpassed Germany’s Ulm Minster, which has held the record for the tallest church since 1890.
Designed by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudí, the basilica has been a work in progress in Barcelona for over a century. The main structure is anticipated to be completed next year, with the Tower of Jesus Christ set to continue its growth over the coming months, eventually reaching a towering 172 metres.
The foundation of the Sagrada Família was laid in 1882, with Gaudí taking the helm the following year. He revolutionized the initial plans, creating a more ambitious and intricate design. Despite his untimely death in 1926, with only one tower completed, the Sagrada Família Foundation has continued his legacy, funded by the generosity of visitors and private donors.
The construction journey has not been without its challenges. The Spanish Civil War saw parts of Gaudí’s original plans destroyed, and more recently, the Covid-19 pandemic caused significant delays due to a halt in tourism and subsequent funding reductions. Despite these hurdles, Xavier Martínez, the Sagrada Família General Director, announced that the Tower of Jesus Christ is scheduled for completion in 2026, a year that also marks the centenary of Gaudí’s death. The foundation plans a series of commemorative events celebrating the architect, whose final resting place is within the basilica’s crypt. Further decorative work and the main entrance stairway are expected to be completed over the next decade.