Is Barcelona's Sagrada Família Now the Tallest Church in the World?

The Sagrada Família, designed by Antoni Gaudí, has officially become the tallest church in the world, reaching a height of 162.91 metres with the recent placement of a cross atop its central tower. This landmark basilica in Barcelona has surpassed the previous record holder, Ulm Minster in Germany, which has maintained its status since 1890. The Sagrada Família's towering ambition reflects over a century of construction, with completion anticipated in 2026, marking the centenary of Gaudí's death.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of October 2023, the Sagrada Família stands at 162.91 metres and is set to become even taller, with the final height of the central Tower of Jesus Christ projected to reach 172 metres. The recent installation of the first part of the cross marks a significant milestone in the long history of this iconic structure. The basilica is not only a testament to Gaudí's visionary architecture but also a symbol of resilience, having faced numerous challenges throughout its construction, including wars and the recent Covid-19 pandemic.

Key takeaways

The Sagrada Família is now the tallest church in the world at 162.91 metres.
Completion of the basilica is expected in 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudí's death.
The church has been under construction since 1882, with significant interruptions along the way.

Timeline: how we got here

The Sagrada Família has a rich and complex history marked by milestones and setbacks. Here is a brief timeline of key events:

1882: The first stone of the Sagrada Família is laid.
1883: Antoni Gaudí takes over the project, radically changing the design.
1926: Gaudí dies tragically, with only one of the planned 18 towers completed.
1936: The Spanish Civil War leads to the destruction of Gaudí's plans and models.
2020: Construction halts due to the Covid-19 pandemic, impacting funding.
2023: The height of the central tower is confirmed at 162.91 metres.
2026: Completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ is expected, coinciding with Gaudí's centenary.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent placement of the first part of the cross marks a significant development in the ongoing construction of the Sagrada Família, propelling it into the record books as the tallest church globally. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it comes after more than a century of construction and numerous challenges faced by the project team.

What was already established

It has long been known that the Sagrada Família is a monumental work of architecture, with Gaudí’s original vision encompassing 18 towers. However, the project has been plagued by delays, including funding issues and the loss of essential blueprints over the years. Prior to the recent developments, the height of the church was already notable, but this new record solidifies its stature.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The Sagrada Família's status as the tallest church in the world is more than just a title; it enhances Barcelona's profile as a tourist destination, likely impacting travel patterns from the UK. As tourism rebounds, UK visitors may find increased interest in the basilica, potentially leading to higher travel costs and accommodation prices in the area.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses in the tourism sector, the completion of the Sagrada Família could signal an influx of visitors, leading to job creation and economic growth in Barcelona. Local businesses may experience a resurgence as the basilica attracts tourists eager to witness its completion and participate in upcoming commemorative events.

Policy and regulation

The construction of the Sagrada Família has often required navigating complex local regulations and heritage considerations. As the project nears completion, it is expected that the foundation will continue to work closely with local authorities to ensure compliance with building codes and maintain the integrity of Gaudí's original design.

Numbers that matter

162.91 metres: The current height of the Sagrada Família, making it the tallest church in the world.
172 metres: The expected final height of the central Tower of Jesus Christ.
1882: The year construction began, indicating over 140 years of ongoing development.
1: Number of completed towers at the time of Gaudí's death in 1926, out of a planned 18.
2026: Year anticipated for the completion of the basilica, coinciding with Gaudí's centenary.

Definitions and jargon buster

Sagrada Família: A large Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, designed by Antoni Gaudí, renowned for its unique architecture.
Antoni Gaudí: A Catalan architect known for his distinctive style and contributions to modernist architecture.
Ulm Minster: The tallest church in the world prior to the Sagrada Família's recent achievement, located in Germany.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, construction will continue on the Sagrada Família, with more elements of the cross expected to be installed. It is crucial for the foundation to manage the project efficiently to maintain momentum and keep funding flowing as tourism returns.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next few months, attention will shift to finishing the central tower. Planning for commemorative events in 2026 will also ramp up, as the foundation aims to honour Gaudí's legacy and attract global attention to the completed structure.

Signals to watch

Updates on the construction schedule and funding status from the Sagrada Família foundation.
Announcement of events planned for the centenary of Gaudí's death.
Changes in tourist numbers to Barcelona as travel restrictions ease.

Practical guidance

Do

Consider visiting the Sagrada Família as part of your travel plans to Barcelona.
Stay informed about construction updates to better understand the basilica's final design.
Participate in events celebrating Gaudí's work if you are in the area during 2026.

Don’t

Don’t miss out on booking accommodations in advance, as interest in the basilica will increase.
Don’t overlook the historical significance of the Sagrada Família when visiting.
Don’t forget to check for any temporary closures or restrictions due to ongoing construction.

Checklist

Check the latest height and construction updates on the Sagrada Família.
Look for guided tours that explain Gaudí’s architectural vision.
Plan your visit around any events or milestones in 2026.
Prepare for potential crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Research local dining options to enhance your visit to the basilica.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Construction timelines can be unpredictable, especially for a project that has faced numerous delays. While the foundation aims to complete the Sagrada Família by 2026, factors such as funding variations, potential construction challenges, and the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic could impact progress. Visitors should remain informed about any changes to completion dates or event schedules.

Bottom line

The Sagrada Família stands as a testament to architectural ambition and resilience. With its recent achievement of becoming the tallest church in the world, it captures global attention and invites renewed interest in Gaudí's masterpiece. As the completion date approaches in 2026, the basilica is poised to become a symbol of cultural pride for both Barcelona and the architectural world.

FAQs

What is the height of the Sagrada Família?

The Sagrada Família currently measures 162.91 metres, making it the tallest church in the world. Its final height is expected to reach 172 metres.

When will the Sagrada Família be completed?

The completion of the Sagrada Família is anticipated in 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí's death.

Why has the construction of the Sagrada Família taken so long?

Construction has faced numerous challenges, including funding issues, historical events like the Spanish Civil War, and most recently, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.