Sagrada Familia: Barcelona’s Iconic Basilica Reaches New Heights
Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia basilica reached its maximum height on February 20, 2026, as construction crews placed the final piece of a 17-meter-high cross atop the Tower of Jesus Christ, bringing the architectural masterpiece to 172.5 meters tall.
The milestone marks significant progress toward completion of Antoni Gaudi’s magnum opus, which began construction in 1882. With this addition, the Sagrada Familia now stands as the world’s tallest church, surpassing Germany’s Ulm Minster. The completion of the tower’s exterior coincides with the centenary of Gaudi’s death and is scheduled for inauguration in June 2026.
The Tower of Jesus Christ features inscriptions praising Jesus Christ crafted in white glazed ceramic and brick, surrounded by palm motifs. Inside the upper arm, a sculpture of the Agnus Dei by Italian artist Andrea Mastrovito will be installed. The four-armed cross was manufactured in Germany and transported by ferry and truck to Barcelona for installation.
While the exterior is now complete, interior work on the structure will continue throughout 2027 and 2028. Millions of tourists visit the Sagrada Familia every year, with roughly 4.8 million tickets sold in 2024. Entrance fees largely fund the ongoing construction, with full completion expected to take another decade.
Source: Vatican News