Barcelona’s Sagrada Família Reaches Final Height After 144 Years of Construction

Barcelona’s Sagrada Família Reaches Final Height After 144 Years of Construction
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The iconic Sagrada Família basilica has reached its full planned height of 172.5 metres (566 feet) with the installation of the final piece of its central tower’s cross, marking a major milestone in its 144‑year construction.

Work on the central Tower of Jesus Christ, the tallest of the church’s spires, culminated on 20 February 2026, when workers firmly placed the monumental cross atop the structure. The 17‑metre cross crowns the tower, making the Sagrada Família the tallest church building in the world.

The basilica’s long construction history has faced interruptions due to technical complexity, funding challenges and historical events such as the Spanish Civil War. Designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí in the late 19th century, the project has since become one of Europe’s most distinctive architectural landmarks.

Completion of the central tower brings the structure closer to realizing Gaudí’s original vision, though work on additional facades and interior details is expected to continue. Authorities plan an official inauguration of the tower in mid‑2026, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death.

When finished, the church — financed through donations and visitor revenues — will stand as both a cultural symbol of Barcelona and a testament to one of the most ambitious architectural undertakings in modern history.