Sagrada Família Reaches Full Height, Nears Completion After 140 Years
Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Família basilica reached its maximum height on February 20, 2026, as a crane placed the upper arm of a cross atop the Tower of Jesus Christ. The structure now stands 172.5 meters (566 feet) tall, becoming the world’s tallest church in 2025 [1]. While a significant milestone, the basilica, a masterpiece of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, remains years from completion.
A Century in the Making
Construction of the Sagrada Família began in 1882, but Gaudí anticipated it would extend beyond his lifetime. By the time of his death in 1926, following an accident involving a tram, only one of the basilica’s numerous towers was finished [1]. Operate has accelerated in recent decades, fueled by the basilica’s popularity as a major international tourist destination.
The Tower of Jesus Christ and Future Plans
The Tower of Jesus Christ is still undergoing interior work. The public will be able to view the cross once the scaffolding is removed this summer. The completion of the central tower was prioritized ahead of the centenary of Gaudí’s death in June 2026. Gaudí, a devout Catholic, is currently undergoing the process of sainthood [1].
As originally planned by Gaudí, the cross features four arms, ensuring visibility from all directions. Rector Fr. Josep Turull has indicated a desire to illuminate each arm with a light beam, symbolizing the church’s role as a spiritual beacon, pending approval from Barcelona’s city government.
Funding and Legacy
Millions of tourists visit the Sagrada Família annually, and entrance fees are the primary source of funding for the ongoing construction. 2026 will see a series of events celebrating Gaudí’s legacy, encompassing his other notable buildings in Barcelona and throughout Spain.
Surpassing Ulm Münster
The Sagrada Família surpassed Germany’s Ulmer Münster as the world’s tallest church in October 2025. Ulmer Münster, a Gothic Lutheran church, reaches a height of 161.53 meters (530 feet) after more than 500 years of construction, beginning in 1377 [1].
A prayer verse, “You alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High,” is inscribed at the base of the newly installed cross [1].
(Associated Press journalists Joseph Wilson and Giovanna Dell’Orto contributed to this report.)