Sagrada Família completed: Gaudí’s iconic church now the tallest in the world

Barcelona is celebrating a historic milestone: 144 years after construction began, the final element of Antoni Gaudí’s central tower on the Sagrada Família has been installed, reports Hypebeast.

The impressive 17-meter steel-and-glass cross was raised to the height that officially completes the tower dedicated to Jesus Christ. At 172.5 meters, the church now surpasses the Ulm Minster in Germany, making it the tallest church in the world.

This marks the final stage of the main building’s construction, which is planned to be fully completed in 2026, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death. However, work on the intricately detailed Glory Facade is expected to continue for another decade, ensuring the church’s design continues to evolve.

Barcelona commemorates this historic moment while serving as the UNESCO World Capital of Architecture 2026. The official opening ceremony of the central tower is scheduled for June 10.