Sagrada Família basilica completed after 144 years, becomes world’s tallest religious building

The Sagrada Família in Barcelona has been declared complete after 144 years of construction, marking the culmination of Antoni Gaudí’s most famous project. The basilica now stands at 172.5 m, making it the tallest religious building in the world.

The final element, a 100‑ton cross, was installed atop the newly finished Tower of Jesus Christ. Pope Leo XIV led the inauguration ceremony on 10 June 2026, which coincided with the centenary of Gaudí’s death. While the exterior is complete, some decorative work inside the church remains unfinished.

The completion is expected to boost tourism at the landmark, which already attracts millions of visitors annually and is regarded as a masterpiece of modern architecture.