144 years later, the Sagrada Familia is completed and conquers the sky over Barcelona, Spain. One hundred years after the death of Antoniо Gaudí, his masterpiece reached a height of 172 meters.
Thus, the Sagrada Familia became the tallest Christian church in the world.
Its architectural elements combine different styles and turn stone into living matter – just as Gaudí’s goal was: to create a connection with nature.
The construction of the temple was entirely financed by donations and ticket revenues, which makes every visitor a participant in the completion of this grandiose project.
The Sagrada Família in Barcelona is set to reach structural completion in June 2026, coinciding with the centennial of A. Gaudí’s death, with the central Tower of Jesus Christ completed on February 20, 2026. A ceremony to mark the completion of the tower is due to take place on the centenary of Gaudí’s death in 1926 on 10 June, 16 years after the church was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI.
However, further decorative work and the controversial Glory Facade stairway are expected to continue until 2034.
Key Completion Details:
- Central Tower & Cross: The Tower of Jesus Christ now features a 17-meter steel and glass cross, officially completed on Feb 20, 2026.
- Total Height: 172.5 meters, making it the tallest church in the world, surpassing Ulm Minster.
- Schedule & Delays: Construction began in 1882, passing the midpoint in 2010. The COVID-19 pandemic caused delays, but the 2026 target for the main structure was maintained.
- Exterior Features: The six central towers (Jesus, Mary, and four Evangelists) are now complete.
The project has been marked by decades of technological advancement, including the use of computer-aided design (CAD) and computerised numerical control (CNC) to speed up construction.
Illustrative Photo by Stephan Leuzinger: https://www.pexels.com/photo/sagrada-familia-facade-in-barcelona-35134146/
