On 20 February 2026, a crane hoisted the final section of the cross atop the Tower of Jesus Christ, crowning the Sagrada Família. The operation, delayed by a week due to high winds, took place before hundreds of onlookers gathered around the Barcelona basilica. With the installation of this 17-metre-high cross—crafted from glass and white enamelled ceramic—the Sagrada Família now reaches a height of 172.5 metres, officially becoming the tallest religious building in the world.
The basilica takes the title from Ulm Minster in Germany, the previous record-holder. Already the tallest building in Barcelona, Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece remains intentionally shorter than Montjuïc Hill (177 metres). This was a specific wish of the architect, who believed that man-made structures should never surpass “the work of God.”
A Seven-Piece Construction at 162 Metres High
The four-armed cross did not arrive as a single piece. Its components were manufactured throughout 2025—in Germany and various Catalan workshops—before being pre-assembled on a platform 54 metres above the central nave. From there, workers using safety harnesses guided the structure into place in seven separate sections. The lower arm of the cross was installed in October 2025, which at the time brought the building’s height to 162.91 metres.
The Tower of Jesus Christ is the tallest of the 18 towers designed by Gaudí. It is linked to the four Towers of the Evangelists by bridges and connected internally to the Tower of the Virgin Mary. While the exterior structure is now finished, interior work will continue through 2027 and 2028. Project managers suggest that the final completion of the entire basilica may still be a decade away.
A Centenary Milestone and Ongoing Disputes
The scaffolding surrounding the tower is set to be removed by 10 June 2026, the date chosen for the tower’s official blessing. This coincides with the centenary of Gaudí’s death. It is rumoured that Pope Leo XIV may attend the ceremony, though this has yet to be officially confirmed.
The Sagrada Família remains Spain’s most visited paid monument, with nearly 4.8 million tickets sold in 2024. Because construction is funded almost exclusively by ticket sales, the building schedule is directly tied to visitor numbers. The pandemic had already forced the original 2026 completion target to be pushed back, and the foundation managing the site now avoids committing to a definitive final date.
The primary remaining hurdle is the Glory Façade, the main entrance yet to be built. The plans include a grand staircase and an esplanade that would require the demolition of several residential buildings in the neighbourhood—a prospect local residents are fighting. Barcelona City Council, currently facing a severe housing crisis, has made any agreement conditional on relocation guarantees for those affected. This urban planning dispute could prove to be as much of a challenge to the timeline as the engineering itself.
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.
