Barcelona's Sagrada Família completes tallest spire, now world's highest church

On 11 June 2026 the Sagrada Família in Barcelona inaugurated its final tower, raising the basilica to 172.5 metres and making it the world’s tallest church. The ceremony was attended by Pope Francis, King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and drew an estimated 120 000 people to the surrounding streets. The new spire, dedicated to Jesus, completes the 144‑year construction that began under architect Antoni Gaudí.

The completion transforms the landmark from an active building site into a fully finished monument, prompting Barcelona to adjust public‑transport, crowd‑control and waste‑management services for the expected surge in visitors. Urban planners note the need for long‑term preservation under UNESCO guidelines, while local businesses anticipate increased tourism revenue and new regulatory requirements for heritage zones.