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

The iconic church's central tower now stands 172.5 meters tall, though construction continues.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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After more than 140 years of construction, Barcelona's Sagrada Familia basilica has reached its maximum planned height with the placement of a cross atop its central Tower of Jesus Christ. The tower now stands 172.5 meters (566 feet) tall, making the Sagrada Familia the world's tallest church. While the monument is nearing completion, work continues inside the tower and on other elements of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí's ambitious design.

Why it matters

The Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona's most iconic landmarks and a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year. Reaching this construction milestone is a significant moment in the church's long and storied history, as it moves closer to Gaudí's original vision for the building.

The details

On Friday, a crane lifted the upper arm of a cross and placed it atop the Tower of Jesus Christ, the central piece of the Sagrada Familia. This brought the tower to its maximum planned height of 172.5 meters. The Sagrada Familia became the world's tallest church last year when another part of the central tower was completed. Construction on the basilica first began in 1882, though Gaudí, who died in 1926, did not expect it to be finished in his lifetime. In recent decades, work has accelerated as the church has become a major tourist draw, with entrance fees funding the ongoing construction.

  • Construction on the Sagrada Familia began in 1882.
  • Gaudí died in 1926 at the age of 73 after being hit by a tram.
  • The Sagrada Familia became the world's tallest church in 2025.
  • The cross was placed atop the Tower of Jesus Christ on February 20, 2026.
  • The tower's inauguration is planned for this summer.

The players

Antoni Gaudí

The Catalan architect who designed the Sagrada Familia and did not expect it to be completed in his lifetime.

Rev. Josep Turull

The rector of the Sagrada Familia basilica.

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What they’re saying

“If Barcelona's city government will allow it, the original plan also includes a light beam shining from each of the cross's arms, symbolizing the church's role as a spiritual lighthouse.”

— Rev. Josep Turull, Sagrada Familia Rector (kob.com)

What’s next

The Sagrada Familia will hold several events this year to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudí's death. The inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ, with the removal of the surrounding scaffolding, is planned for this summer.

The takeaway

The Sagrada Familia's reaching of its maximum planned height is a major milestone in the iconic church's long and storied construction, bringing it closer to the original vision of architect Antoni Gaudí. As a global tourist attraction, the Sagrada Familia's continued progress highlights Barcelona's commitment to preserving and celebrating its architectural heritage.