A Historic Moment in Barcelona: Sagrada Família Reaches Its Full Height!

More than 140 years after the laying of the cornerstone, Barcelona’s skyline has changed forever. With the installation of the crowning cross on the tallest tower, the Sagrada Família basilica has reached its intended height, officially becoming the tallest religious building in the world.

More than 144 years after the first shovel broke ground, Barcelona’s Sagrada Família Basilica has today reached its final height. The upper arm of the cross was installed atop the Tower of Jesus Christ, raising the entire structure to 172.5 meters above ground level. As a result, the church designed by Antoni Gaudí officially becomes the tallest church in the world.

 

A historic moment for Barcelona and sacred architecture

The cross crowning the Tower of Jesus Christ is an impressive structure measuring 17 meters in height and 13.5 meters in width. Made of steel and glass and covered with white glazed ceramic, it is clearly visible from many points across the city. The installation was carried out in stages - the lower arm was mounted in October 2025, and today, after a delay caused by strong winds over Catalonia, the upper arm was installed, completing the entire structure.

In accordance with construction tradition, once work at the top of the tower was completed, two flags were raised: the Catalan flag - as a sign that the structure was completed without any incidents - and the Vatican flag, confirming the building’s status as the tallest Catholic church in the world.
"It was a wonderful, joy-filled day for everyone who contributed to this construction" said Jordi Faulí, the project’s chief architect, emphasizing that the completion of the cross is the result of years of work and research into the legacy that Antoni Gaudí left to future generations.

 

Record holders changed in autumn 2025

Sagrada Família has held the title of the world’s tallest church since the end of October 2025, when it surpassed a height of 162.9 meters, overtaking the previous record holder - the Lutheran Ulm Minster in Germany, which was built over more than 500 years starting in 1377. Now, with the cross installed atop the tower, the lead is even more spectacular.

Sagrada Família is also the tallest building in Barcelona.

 

A 19th-century design, a 21st-century construction

The first stone of the church was laid in 1882. Antoni Gaudí, who took over the project a year later, completely redesigned the basilica, giving it a unique style combining Gothic architecture with Catalan Modernism and forms inspired by nature. The architect never expected to live to see the completion of his work - and he was right. He died in a tram accident in 1926.

According to Gaudí’s vision, the church is to have 18 towers symbolizing, respectively: the 12 apostles, the 4 evangelists, Mary, and Jesus Christ. The central Tower of Jesus Christ is the tallest of the six central towers and the last to have its external structure completed.

Inside the cross, within its upper arm, a sculpture of the Lamb of God by artist Andrea Mastrovito will be placed - in accordance with Gaudí’s original concept. At the base of the crowning element, Latin inscriptions praising Christ are displayed, made of white glazed ceramic.

What’s next? Opening in June, work to continue for another decade

The completion of the external structure of the Tower of Jesus Christ coincides with the centenary of Gaudí’s death, commemorated in 2026. The scaffolding surrounding the tower is to be removed by June, and its ceremonial opening and consecration are scheduled for June 10, 2026. Media speculate about the possible participation of Pope Leo XIV, but the Vatican has not yet confirmed its presence.

The full completion of the construction remains a matter of several more years - it is estimated that interior and finishing works will continue for about another decade. Approximately 4.8 million tourists visit the basilica each year, and ticket revenues largely finance the ongoing construction.