For more than a century, its silhouette has shaped Barcelona’s skyline, but the Sagrada Familia has now taken a new step in architectural history. It has recently set another milestone by becoming the tallest church in the world.
The installation of the first piece of the cross atop the Tower of Jesus Christ – the central tower – has increased the height of Antoni Gaudí’s basilica, which is set to exceed 170 metres once completed.
The Sagrada Familia, the tallest church in the world
The Sagrada Familia, Barcelona’s architectural icon and one of the most visited monuments in the world, has reached a new milestone. With the installation of the first section of the cross atop the central Tower of Jesus Christ, the basilica has now reached a height of 162.91 metres.
This places it just above Germany’s famed Ulm Cathedral, which stands at 161.53 metres, marking another step forward in the long evolution of Antoni Gaudí’s original vision.
The tower is not yet complete: the full cross still needs to be installed. Once finished, it will rise to 172.5 metres, making it one of the tallest structures in Barcelona – while still honouring Gaudí’s intention that it should not exceed the height of Montjuïc mountain.
When will the Sagrada Familia be finished?
Although the exterior of the Sagrada Familia looks increasingly close to completion, the basilica is still very much a work in progress. Project leaders expect to complete the central Tower of Jesus Christ in 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudí’s death.
However, finishing all the façades and decorative elements could take at least until 2034. Some aspects of the project remain controversial, particularly the proposed construction of a large staircase that would require the demolition of two blocks between Carrer de Mallorca and Carrer d’Aragó.
Why is it taking so long to build the Sagrada Familia?
One of the most talked-about facts about the Sagrada Familia is the extraordinary length of its construction, which began in 1882. Much of the delay is due to the architectural and sculptural complexity of Gaudí’s project.
Progress has also been hindered by historical events, including the Spanish Civil War – during which many of the original models were destroyed – and, more recently, the shutdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the basilica’s funding depends largely on donations from visitors and parishioners, which has slowed work at various stages.
Visit the Sagrada Familia
Discovering the Sagrada Familia is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Barcelona. Access to this architectural gem requires a ticket, which can be purchased through the official website.
- Basic admission: €26
- Admission with guided tour: €30
- Full admission with access to towers: €36
- Full admission with access to towers and guided tour: €40
For children under 11, people with disabilities and their companions, basic admission is free. Students, under-30s and retirees receive a slightly reduced price. Entry to the crypt is the only free admission for everyone.
The tallest churches in the world
The Christian world is full of monumental churches that stand out for their height, history and symbolism. Here is the new list of the tallest churches in the world:
- Basilica of the Sagrada Familia – 172.5 metres: after erecting the final element on the central tower dedicated to Jesus Christ, it is now the tallest church in the world.
- Ulm Minster (Ulm, Germany) – 161.5 metres: For decades, the Protestant church in Ulm held the world record thanks to its imposing Gothic tower.
- Basilique Notre-Dame de la Paix (Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast) – 158 metres: inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, this African church surprises with its colossal size and monumental dome.
- Cologne Cathedral (Germany) – 157 metres: This Gothic cathedral, declared a World Heritage Site, is famous for its twin towers and its role as a German national symbol.
- Rouen Cathedral (France) – 151 metres: Famous for having been immortalised by Monet in his paintings, this cathedral was for a time the tallest building in the world.
