Barcelona: The iconic Basilica of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona has officially become the tallest church in the world, marking a historic milestone in one of the longest-running architectural projects in modern history. As the construction of its central tower dedicated to Jesus Christ nears completion, the basilica now stands at an impressive 162.91 meters, surpassing Germany’s Ulm Minster, which had held the record since 1890.
The achievement follows the installation of the first section of the monumental cross that will crown the central tower. Measuring 7.25 meters in height and weighing 24 tons, this massive structure forms the lower arm of the cross and was hoisted onto a platform 54 meters above the central nave. The installation marks the beginning of the final phase in the construction of the tower a defining moment in the basilica’s near 150-year journey.
Once fully completed, the Tower of Jesus Christ will reach a total height of 172 meters, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth envisioned by the building’s original architect, Antoni Gaudí. The completion is scheduled for 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudí’s death, a milestone that will be commemorated with a series of cultural and religious events in his honor.
Construction of the Sagrada Família began in 1882, driven by Gaudí’s vision of creating a “Bible in stone” a masterpiece that would unite faith, nature, and geometry. However, progress has been fraught with obstacles. When Gaudí died in 1926, only one of the basilica’s 18 planned towers had been completed.
Further setbacks followed during the Spanish Civil War, when anarchists set fire to the crypt and destroyed original drawings and plaster models, causing significant delays in reconstruction efforts. Over the decades, successive architects and artisans have sought to remain faithful to Gaudí’s intricate vision, adapting traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering.
In recent years, the Sagrada Família has continued to face challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic brought construction to a standstill in 2020, as tourism the primary source of funding dwindled dramatically. Despite these difficulties, restoration and construction resumed with renewed vigor, backed by the Sagrada Família Foundation, which manages the project’s ongoing development.
Speaking to the Associated Press, Xavier Martínez, General Director of the Sagrada Família, confirmed that the central tower’s completion is firmly on schedule for 2026. “This will be not only the culmination of a century-long dream but also a tribute to Gaudí’s genius, whose faith and creativity continue to inspire millions,” Martínez said.
When completed, the Sagrada Família will feature 18 towers, each symbolizing a key biblical figure: twelve for the Apostles, four for the Evangelists, one for the Virgin Mary, and the tallest for Jesus Christ. Its unique design blending Gothic and Art Nouveau forms has made it one of the most visited monuments in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The basilica, long regarded as a living work of art, continues to evolve before the eyes of millions of pilgrims and tourists each year. As the cross rises above Barcelona’s skyline, the Sagrada Família stands not just as a record-breaking structure, but as a timeless testament to human devotion, endurance, and the sacred marriage of art and faith.