Sagrada Familia becomes world's tallest church

Barcelona's Sagrada Familia officially became the world's tallest church on Thursday after workers installed a section of its central tower, bringing the basilica to 162.91 meters (534 feet) tall and narrowly surpassing Germany's Ulm Minster, which had held the record at 161.53 meters since 1890apnews+2.
The milestone marks the beginning of the final construction phase for the Tower of Jesus Christ, which is projected to reach 172 meters (564 feet) upon completion in the coming months as additional cross elements are addedapnews+2.
Designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, the basilica has been under construction for more than 140 years since the first stone was laid in 1882, with only one of the planned 18 towers completed at the time of Gaudí's death in 1926apnews+2.
The basilica's construction is entirely funded by tourism and private donations, with approximately 4.9 million visitors last year generating revenue that supports the ongoing building effortsusnews.
Church officials plan to complete the main structure by 2026 to coincide with the centenary of Gaudí's death, though work on decorative details, sculptures, and the main entrance stairway is expected to continue for another decadeadaderana+2.

Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Familia basilica officially claimed the title of world's tallest church on Thursday after workers installed a section of its central tower, bringing the architectural marvel to 162.91 meters (534 feet) tall. The milestone narrowly surpasses Germany's Ulm Minster, which had held the record at 161.53 meters (530 feet) since 1890.apnews+3

The installation marks a pivotal moment for Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece, which has been under construction for more than 140 years. A crane successfully positioned the first segment of the Tower of Jesus Christ atop the nave on Thursday morning, representing the beginning of the basilica's final construction phase.adaderana+4

Construction Set to Reach New Heights

The Sagrada Familia's growth continues with ambitious plans ahead. The central Tower of Jesus Christ is projected to reach 172 meters (564 feet) upon completion in the coming months, with the addition of remaining cross elements. This final height will position the basilica as one of the 10 tallest buildings in Spain while respecting Gaudí's original vision to remain shorter than Barcelona's Montjuïc hill at 177 meters.apnews+4

Construction of the temple began in 1882, but Gaudí took over the project in 1883 at age 31. The visionary architect devoted 43 years of his life to the project, with the final 12 years spent exclusively on the basilica. Only one of the planned 18 towers was completed when Gaudí died in 1926.washingtonpost+5

Tourism Powers Construction Forward

The basilica's progress has accelerated significantly in recent decades, driven entirely by private funding from tourism and donations. The Sagrada Familia welcomed 4.9 million visitors last year, with 15% coming from the United States. The foundation reported income of €126.9 million in 2023, with 52% dedicated to construction efforts.usnews+5

The completion timeline targets 2026 to coincide with the centenary of Gaudí's death, when the church plans to hold events celebrating the architect's legacy. Work on the basilica's elaborate facades and interior decorations is expected to continue for approximately another decade.unn+3

Sources (41)