The Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain, has officially become the tallest church in the world after workers installed the first part of a cross atop its central tower.
Now standing at 162.91 metres, the iconic basilica has surpassed Germany’s Ulm Minster, which had held the record since 1890.
Designed by visionary architect Antoni Gaudí, the monumental place of worship has been under construction for over a century, with completion of the main structure expected next year.
The central Tower of Jesus Christ will continue to rise as the remaining parts of the cross are added in the coming months, ultimately reaching 172 metres in height.
The cornerstone of the Sagrada Família was laid in 1882, and the following year, Gaudí took over the project, reimagining the original concept into a far more ambitious masterpiece.
Initially financed by donations from repentant worshippers, construction saw steady progress until Gaudí’s untimely death in 1926, by which time only one of the planned 18 towers had been completed.
In the decades that followed, the Sagrada Família foundation took charge of the project, sustaining work through contributions from visitors, tourists, and private donors.
Yet, its nearly 150-year journey has faced numerous obstacles. During the Spanish Civil War, Catalan anarchists set fire to the crypt, destroying Gaudí’s plans and plaster models intended to guide future builders.
More recently, the Covid-19 pandemic caused another major delay, as tourism and consequently funding, dropped sharply.
In September, Sagrada Família General Director Xavier Martínez told the Associated Press that the Tower of Jesus Christ would be completed in 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudí’s death.
To honour the legendary architect, who rests in the church’s crypt, the foundation plans a series of commemorative events.
Meanwhile, work will continue on decorative sculptures, intricate detailing, and a grand stairway leading to the basilica’s main entrance over the next decade.
