A historic moment for Catalonia and Spain: On 20th February 2026, the world-famous Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona officially reached its final height of 172.5 metres with the installation of the last cross structure on the Tower of Jesus Christ, making it the tallest church building in the world.
Spain Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
A large-scale construction project that began over 140 years ago and is still not fully completed has marked another milestone. The basilica now not only surpasses all church buildings in the world but also every other structure in the city of Barcelona.
A landmark above all heights
The installation of the top cross arm – a 17-metre high and over twelve-tonne structure made of white glazed ceramics, stained glass windows, and finely crafted metal parts – crowned the central Tower of Jesus Christ, marking the official and final height.
This cross structure, an architectural masterpiece in its own right, is designed to reflect light in the future and serve as a spiritual symbol visible from afar. It was crafted in modular form and assembled at great heights using specialized lifting teams and cranes.
A record for eternity
At 172.5 metres tall, the Sagrada Familia significantly surpasses the previous record holder – the Ulm Minster in Germany. The gothic spire of the Ulm Minster, which held the title of the world’s tallest church building for decades, measures just around 161.5 metres.
As early as October 2025, the Sagrada Familia claimed the title when the first section of the cross raised it to around 162.9 metres. Now, however, the church is finally complete – at least in terms of its height.
Gaudí’s century-long masterpiece – Vision and Reality
The basilica is the living legacy of Antoni Gaudí, who began construction in 1882 and only managed to complete the first tower. Gaudí passed away in 1926 without seeing his life’s work finished. Now, exactly 100 years after his death, the Tower of Jesus Christ will be officially inaugurated – a symbolic moment to be marked with special celebrations in June 2026.
Despite this milestone, work on the interior and other façades continues, as the final completion of the entire basilica is not expected for several more years. Experts currently predict that the overall construction will not be finished until the 2030s.
Significance for the city, the church, and tourism
The completion of the highest point of the Sagrada Familia holds far-reaching significance: For Barcelona, it is not only an architectural monument but also a symbol of cultural identity and international appeal. The basilica is one of Spain’s most visited landmarks – in 2024 alone, it attracted nearly five million visitors, who not only contributed to entry fees but also helped fund the continuation of the construction.
Architects, urban planners, and art historians view this moment as a testament to how vision, time, and collaboration can challenge and ultimately complete a century-long project. Today, the Sagrada Familia stands not only as the tallest church in the world but also as a monument to Spanish history and European architectural artistry.
