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The iconic Sagrada Familia basilica — Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece — has officially become the tallest church in the world after a section of its central tower was lifted into place this week, reports NYP.

The basilica now soars 162.91 meters (535 feet), narrowly surpassing Germany’s Ulm Minster, which had held the record since 1890 at 161.53 meters (530 feet).

Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882, with Gaudí taking over the project in 1883. He transformed a modest Neo-Gothic design into a stunning example of Catalan Modernism.

By the time of Gaudí’s tragic death in 1926, only one of the planned 18 towers had been completed. Nearly a century later, cranes still crown the basilica, but the finish line is finally in sight.

The final stage — the Tower of Jesus Christ with its crowning cross — will reach 172 meters (564 feet) when completed, making it not only the tallest church in the world but also one of the tallest religious structures ever built.

Construction has faced numerous challenges. During the Spanish Civil War, anarchists set fire to Gaudí’s workshop, destroying detailed plans and plaster models. It took decades to recover and continue the project.

Modern obstacles also affected progress. In 2020, construction was fully halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which cut off the basilica’s main source of income — tourism. In 2024, nearly 4.9 million visitors paid to enter, 15% of them from the U.S.

Despite wars, epidemics, and political upheavals, Gaudí’s masterpiece has endured. Today it remains an active construction site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Europe’s most visited landmarks.

The Sagrada Familia Foundation reports that the central tower will be completed in 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudí’s death. A series of events are planned next year to celebrate the architect’s legacy, which also includes Casa Batlló, Parc Güell, and Casa Milà (La Pedrera).

Meanwhile, the basilica’s facades and interior decorations will continue to evolve, with full completion expected by the mid-2030s.

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