After 144 years of construction, the final piece of the central tower has been installed, cementing Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece as the tallest church in the world.

A Historic Milestone in Barcelona
On Friday, February 20, 2026, a momentous chapter in architectural history was written as a specialized crane hoisted the final arm of a 17-meter-high glass and ceramic cross onto the summit of the Tower of Jesus Christ. This crowning achievement brings the Sagrada Família to its definitive maximum height of 172.5 meters, forever altering the skyline of Barcelona.

The installation marks the completion of the tallest of the 18 towers envisioned by the legendary Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí. With this addition, the basilica has officially surpassed the Ulm Minster in Germany (161.5m) to become the tallest religious structure on the planet.

Precision Meets Heritage
The cross itself is a marvel of modern engineering and traditional craftsmanship. Manufactured with white enamel ceramic and glass, it is designed to reflect the Mediterranean sun, acting as a “beacon of light” for the city. Chief architect Jordi Faulí described the event as “a joyful day,” noting that the team had to wait for perfect, windless conditions to winch the massive structure into place.

Gaudí’s original design for the height was deeply symbolic. He intended the church to be exactly 172.5 meters tall—just one meter shorter than the nearby Montjuïc hill. His reasoning was humble: “The work of man should not exceed the work of God.”

The Path to 2026
While the central tower is now physically complete, the official blessing ceremony is scheduled for June 10, 2026. This date is deeply significant, marking exactly 100 years since Antoni Gaudí’s tragic death in a tram accident.

Although the “Jesus Christ Tower” has reached its peak, the basilica is not yet fully finished. Work continues on the Glory Façade and intricate interior decorations, with final completion expected within the next decade. However, for the millions of residents and tourists who have watched the scaffolding rise for generations, the sight of the completed cross represents the fulfillment of a vision that many thought would never be realized.