BARCELONA, Spain (AP) – On October 30, 2025, the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona officially became the world’s tallest church after a segment of its central tower was successfully lifted into place. Designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, the iconic structure now stands at a height of 162.91 meters (534 feet), surpassing the previous record held by Germany’s Ulmer Münster, which reaches a height of 161.53 meters (530 feet).
The Ulmer Münster, a Gothic Lutheran church constructed between 1543 and 1890, had held the title of the tallest church for many years. Despite this, the Sagrada Familia is not just about surpassing its German counterpart; it continues to evolve and grow. When the construction of its central Tower of Jesus Christ is completed, the basilica will reach an impressive height of 172 meters (564 feet) in the coming months.
The recent advancement in the construction was marked by a crane that placed the first part of the tower on top of the nave early Thursday morning. The Sagrada Familia has a long and storied history; the first stone was laid in 1882, and Gaudí, who dedicated much of his life to this masterpiece, knew that it would not be finished within his lifetime. At the time of his death, only one of its many towers had been completed.
In recent decades, the pace of construction has accelerated significantly, aided in part by the Sagrada Familia’s status as a major international tourist attraction. Visitors from around the world are fascinated by Gaudí’s unique blend of Catholic imagery and organic forms. In 2024 alone, 4.9 million people visited the basilica, with 15% of those tourists hailing from the United States. The revenue generated from entrance fees is primarily used to fund the ongoing construction efforts.
Construction on the elaborate facades and interior decoration of the church is expected to continue for several more years, with estimates stating that it will be fully completed around a decade from now. As the years progress, exciting plans are underway to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Gaudí's death in 2026. The Sagrada Familia is expected to host a variety of events celebrating his profound legacy, which also includes other magnificent buildings located throughout Barcelona and various parts of Spain.
The continuous progress and eventual completion of the Sagrada Familia will not only mark a significant architectural achievement but also serve as a tribute to the enduring vision of its creator, Antoni Gaudí. As the world watches this iconic structure reach new heights, it stands as a testament to human creativity and architectural innovation.
