US EditionBarcelona’s Sagrada Familia reaches its maximum height after more than a century
The basilica's central Tower of Jesus Christ now stands 172.5 meters tall, funded by millions of tourist visits and nearing completion ahead of June centenary events.
- On Feb 20, 2026, a crane placed the upper arm of a cross atop the Tower of Jesus Christ, bringing Sagrada Familia in Barcelona to its planned maximum height of 172.5m.
- Ahead of the centenary in June, scaffolding is scheduled to be removed by June and the tower blessed on June 10, according to head architect Jordi Fauli.
- Surpassing Ulm Minster, the extra height atop the Jesus Christ tower means Sagrada Familia now exceeds Ulm Minster's 161.53 meters as the world's tallest church at 172.5m.
- Entrance fees largely fund ongoing construction as the Sagrada Familia sold 4.8 million tickets in 2024, yet full completion is expected in around a decade.
- Barcelona city government must approve the light-beam plan from the cross's four arms, while town hall mediates residents' opposition to entrance steps amid a housing crisis more than 140 years after Antoni Gaudí designed the monument.
74 Articles
74 Articles
Gaudí's most famous building, Barcelona's main tourist attraction, has been under construction for 144 years, but it is still not finished.
After 144 years, Barcelona's Sagrada Família one big step closer to completion
Barcelona’s Sagrada Família basilica has been under construction for just under 144 years, and on Friday, it came a big step closer to completion. A crane placed the upper arm of a cross on the “Tower of Jesus Christ.” The Sagrada Família reaches its highest point following the placement of the upper arm of the cross of the tower of Jesus Christ. As is a tradition in construction, the Catalan flag is hoisted, indicating that the tower structure…
Exploited 172.5 meters after the installation of a part of the central cross (ANSA)
Far from being completed, Gaudí's monument now peaks at 172.5 metres.
Barcelona’s Sagrada Família Reaches Full Height
More than 140 years after construction began, the masterpiece of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí is approaching a historic milestone, with its main 172.5-metre tower set to be completed to coincide with the centenary of Gaudí’s death. The Barcelona basilica has already surpassed the height of the spire of Ulm Minster and is set to be crowned in the coming months by a monumental cross that will complete the tower’s silhouette.To mark the centenary…
The official inauguration is scheduled for June, but now the new cross of the Basilica of Sagrada Família in Barcelona has been completed. However, the construction of the church is to be completed in about ten years.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
