It's official: the iconic Sagrada Familia is has now been crowned the world's tallest church.
On October 30th, 2025, workers installed a section of the central tower’s upper structure. This marks the first addition to the future Tower of Jesus Christ, which will raise the basilica’s height to 172 metres. Now measured at a whopping 162.91 metres, the iconic Catholic church surpasses it's now-predecessor Ulm Minster in Germany, which had carried the title since 1890.
Throughout the celebrations, the main question still lingers: When is the Sagrada Familia expected to be completed?
Despite doubts among architecture enthusiasts, the iconic Sagrada Familia now has a definitive completion date. Just last year, it welcomed an astounding 4,707,367 visitors, solidifying its status as one of the world's most renowned landmarks.
Esteve Camps, president of the organisation overseeing the late Antoni Gaudí's (1852-1926) masterpiece, recently announced a significant milestone: by 2026, coinciding with the centenary of the architect's passing, the towering central spire will eventually soar to a height of 172.5 meters, making the Sagrada Familia the tallest edifice in Barcelona. This ambitious endeavour, which commenced on March 19, 1882, is the result of meticulous planning, ample resources and unwavering dedication.
"We possess the necessary materials, permits, and funding to commence the construction of the Assumpta Chapel, the Provença Street section, and the monumental Jesus Tower," affirmed Camps. "These endeavours are slated for inauguration in 2026, honouring Gaudí's enduring legacy."
Finished... but with nuances
Beyond structural finalisation, attention turns to the finer more intricate and ornamental elements, although the building is scheduled for completion in 2026 (though seems unlikely), work on the sculptures and decorative details and, above all, a controversial staircase on what is known as the La Gloria façade leading to what will be the main entrance, is expected to continue until 2034.
The staircase, which would stretch across two large city blocks, would mean evicting some 1,000 families and businesses, according to the British newspaper The Guardian. Although some Antonio Gaudí scholars dispute this, Camps insists that the staircase was always part of the architect's plan. "We follow Gaudí's plan to the letter. We are his heirs and we cannot renounce his project," Camps has declared.
As the Sagrada Familia approaches its anticipated culmination in 2026, the Board of Trustees advocates for broader recognition of Gaudí's contributions, petitioning Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni to declare the year as "Antoni Gaudí Year," further cementing the architect's enduring impact on the city's cultural landscape.
