Barcelona’s skyline has a new, soaring champion. On October 30, 2025, the Sagrada Familia basilica officially became the world’s tallest church, a title long held by Germany’s Ulmer Münster. The milestone was reached when a section of the central "Tower of Jesus Christ" was lifted into place, sending the basilica’s height to a staggering 534 feet (162.91 meters), according to the Associated Press and the Sagrada Familia Foundation. This achievement nudges the Sagrada Familia just over 3.2 feet above its German rival, whose spire tops out at 530 feet (161.53 meters), as reported by Reuters and ACI Prensa.
The basilica’s new record is more than just a number—it’s a testament to the enduring vision of its architect, Antoni Gaudí, and the generations of artisans, builders, and supporters who have kept the dream alive for nearly a century and a half. The first stone was laid on March 19, 1882, under the direction of Francisco de Paula del Villar. Just a year later, Gaudí took the reins, transforming the design into a breathtaking display of Catalan Modernism that marries Catholic symbolism with organic, nature-inspired forms (as detailed by ACI Prensa and Reuters).
Gaudí’s devotion to the project became legendary. From 1914 until his untimely death in 1926, he worked exclusively on the basilica, often living on-site. Yet, when he died, only one of the planned 18 towers had been completed. The Spanish Civil War brought further setbacks—anarchists destroyed Gaudí’s workshop, including his detailed plans and plaster models, forcing future generations to painstakingly reconstruct his vision from fragments and photographs (Reuters).
Despite these challenges, the Sagrada Familia has endured, becoming both a living construction site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its continued growth is funded almost entirely by tourism; in 2024, nearly 4.9 million visitors paid to enter the basilica, with 15 percent coming from the United States, according to the Sagrada Familia Foundation. The COVID-19 pandemic threatened this lifeline, halting construction in 2020 as tourism evaporated, but the work has since resumed at full tilt (Reuters).
The latest addition—the lower portion of the cross atop the Tower of Jesus Christ—marks the start of the final phase of the central tower’s construction. The new segment is an engineering marvel in its own right: over 20 feet high, weighing 24 tons, and featuring a double-twist geometry that morphs from a square base to an octagonal top. Its exterior, clad in white glazed ceramic and glass, gleams in the Barcelona sunlight, chosen for both their reflective beauty and resistance to the elements, as described by ACI Prensa.
Crane operators, working more than 150 meters above the city, have become unsung heroes in this saga, deftly maneuvering massive components into place and ensuring the basilica continues its upward march. The view from their perch is nothing short of breathtaking—a daily reminder of the project’s scale and ambition (ACI Prensa).
But the story doesn’t end here. The Tower of Jesus Christ, when finished with its crowning cross, will reach a final height of 564 feet (172 meters), making it not just the tallest church, but one of the tallest religious structures ever built (Reuters, AP, ACI Prensa). The central tower’s completion is expected in 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudí’s death—a convergence of history and achievement that will be marked by a series of celebrations honoring the architect’s enduring legacy. These events will also spotlight his other iconic works in Barcelona, such as Casa Batlló, Parc Güell, and Casa Milà (La Pedrera), as noted by Reuters.
Even as the basilica claims the title of tallest church, its journey is far from over. Intricate facades and interior decorations continue to evolve, with full completion projected for the mid-2030s, according to church officials. The project’s funding model—relying on entrance fees—remains both a strength and a vulnerability, tying progress to the ebbs and flows of global tourism (AP, Reuters).
This year, the basilica’s construction board emphasized the historic nature of the milestone, stating that the completion of the central tower "will be a historic milestone for Sagrada Familia and a tribute to its architect." The sentiment is echoed by the city’s residents and millions of visitors who marvel at the basilica’s blend of technical ingenuity and spiritual aspiration (ACI Prensa).
Recognition of Gaudí’s genius extends beyond architecture. On April 14, 2025, Pope Francis declared Gaudí venerable, the first step on the path to possible sainthood, as reported by ACI Prensa. This acknowledgment by the Vatican underscores the spiritual and cultural significance of the basilica, which has become a symbol not just of Barcelona, but of human creativity and perseverance.
The Sagrada Familia’s ascent to the top of the world’s churches is, in many ways, a microcosm of Barcelona itself: resilient, ever-evolving, and unafraid to reach for the sky. Its story is one of vision, adversity, and the collective will to create something that will inspire generations to come. As the cranes continue their dance above the city, and as visitors gaze upward in awe, Barcelona’s basilica stands as a living testament to the power of faith, art, and community.
With the centenary of Gaudí’s death approaching and the Tower of Jesus Christ nearing completion, the Sagrada Familia is poised for a new era—one where its silhouette will not only dominate the Barcelona skyline, but also the imagination of all who behold it.
