Sagrada Familia breaks architectural record. Final touches to be completed in 2026

After workers placed the first part of the cross on the central tower of the Sagrada Familia, the basilica in Barcelona became the tallest church in the world.

Spain's Sagrada Família is the perfect proof that good things are worth waiting a little longer.

If you compare the construction of the temple to a TV series, you have to admit it's quite a jumble. When Antoni Gaudí took over the project after the initial architect resigned… he essentially turned it upside down.

Construction progressed for the next 40 years, but after Gaudí's death, when it was estimated that about a quarter of the project had been completed, construction slowed due to a lack of funding . Further setbacks included the Spanish Civil War , during which most of the architect's original plans were lost. Construction was also halted during the COVID-19 pandemic .

Construction of the Sagrada Familia is getting closer to completion. Photo: Konrad Dobosz / Unsplash

Fortunately, it seems that the construction of the Sagrada Familia is getting closer to completion, and in the meantime it has even managed to break a certain record.

And although the main building is still some time away from completion, as it is scheduled for next year, according to the BBC , the Sagrada Família has become the tallest church in the world.

After workers placed the first section of the cross atop its central tower, the famous Spanish basilica now stands at 162.91 meters (540.3 feet) . This officially surpasses the record set in 1980 by Ulm Cathedral, Germany . The historic Gothic church is 161.53 meters (540.3 feet). As you can see, the difference isn't huge.

In September, Sagrada Familia's general director, Xavier Martínez , told the Associated Press that the Tower of Jesus Christ would be completed in 2026. This seems like good marketing, as everything will align perfectly with the centennial of Antoni Gaudí's death. To mark the occasion, the Foundation plans to organize numerous events to commemorate the architect, whose body rests in the church's crypt.

But don't worry. Completion of a building isn't the end of the work. It's said that all the decorative details , sculptures , and stairs leading to the main entrance are work for… the next ten years.

“Easy, gentlemen, it’s about to get going” – to quote a classic.