Sagrada Família reaches new height as Tower of Jesus Christ is completed

Barcelona’s Sagrada Família is approaching a major milestone after more than 140 years of construction. The completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ has brought the basilica to a height of 172.5 metres, making it the world’s tallest church and surpassing Germany’s Ulm Minster.

This achievement is driven by the integration of Antoni Gaudí’s 19th-century geometric designs with modern engineering and materials science, including modular building systems, steel reinforcement, and 24 tonnes of structural adhesive. The progress coincides with the centenary of Gaudí’s death in 1926.

The basilica remains deeply symbolic, designed by Gaudí as a religious narrative expressed through stone and light. Key features include 12 towers representing the apostles, a floor plan evoking the body of Christ, and façades depicting episodes from the life of Jesus. A walkable viewing platform is expected to open to visitors in 2027.