Barcelona's Sagrada Família becomes world's tallest church

The Sagrada Família in Barcelona has officially surpassed Germany's Ulm Minster as the tallest church in the world, reaching a height of 162.91 meters.

The Spanish basilica, designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, achieved this milestone with the installation of the first part of a cross atop its central tower, BBC writes.

Currently under construction since 1882, the Sagrada Família has been a work in progress for over a century. The central Tower of Jesus Christ, which will ultimately stand at 172 meters, will grow further as additional parts of the cross are added in the coming months.

Gaudí, who took over the project in 1883, transformed the basilica’s original design into an ambitious masterpiece. At the time of his death in 1926, only one of the planned 18 towers was completed. Despite setbacks—including the destruction of plans during the Spanish Civil War and a recent construction halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic—the Sagrada Família has continued to progress, largely funded by donations and tourism.

The completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ is expected in 2026, marking the centenary of Gaudí's death, with further work on decorative elements continuing into the next decade.

By Sabina Mammadli