Barcelona's Sagrada Familia Reaches Maximum Height After Over a Century

The unfinished monument became the world's tallest church last year as construction continues.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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The Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, Spain, reached its maximum height on Friday with the placement of the upper arm of a cross atop the Tower of Jesus Christ, which now stands 566 feet above the city. The first stone of the Sagrada Familia was placed in 1882, but the architect Antoni Gaudí never expected it to be completed in his lifetime. Only one of its multiple towers was finished when he died in 1926. In recent decades, work has sped up as the basilica became a major international tourist attraction, with people enthralled by Gaudí's radical aesthetic that combines Catholic symbolism and organic forms.

Why it matters

The Sagrada Familia is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in Barcelona, and its completion after over a century of construction is a significant milestone. The basilica's unique architectural style and its status as a major tourist draw make it an important part of Barcelona's cultural and economic landscape.

The details

The addition of the upper arm of the cross on the Tower of Jesus Christ marks the Sagrada Familia's maximum height. The inside of the tower is still being worked on, and the scaffolding surrounding the central tower is expected to be removed by June, in time for the inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ. As Gaudí had planned, the cross has four arms so its shape can be recognized from any direction, and if Barcelona's city government allows it, a light beam will shine from each of the cross's arms, symbolizing the church's role as a spiritual lighthouse.

  • The first stone of the Sagrada Familia was placed in 1882.
  • Gaudí died at the age of 73 in 1926, after being hit by a tram.
  • The Sagrada Familia became the world's largest church last October.
  • The Sagrada Familia will hold several events this year to celebrate the centenary of Gaudí's death.

The players

Antoni Gaudí

The Catalan architect who designed the Sagrada Familia, though he never expected it to be completed in his lifetime.

Rev. Josep Turull

The rector of the Sagrada Familia.

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What they’re saying

“You alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High.”

— Rev. Josep Turull, Sagrada Familia Rector (Associated Press)

What’s next

The scaffolding surrounding the central tower is expected to be removed by June, in time for the inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ.

The takeaway

The Sagrada Familia's completion after over a century of construction is a testament to the enduring vision and legacy of Antoni Gaudí, whose radical architectural style has captivated millions of visitors to Barcelona and cemented the basilica's status as one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.