The construction saga of Barcelona's Sagrada Família, one of the world’s most famous unfinished masterpieces, has just hit a monumental and record-breaking milestone. After over 140 years of intermittent construction, the soaring basilica has officially claimed the title of the World's Tallest Church!

This incredible achievement comes as construction crews successfully installed a crucial section of the central tower, pushing its height past the previous record holder, a title held for over a century.

📈 How the Record Was Broken

The historic moment occurred on Thursday, October 30, 2025, when workers successfully lifted and secured the first part of the enormous cross onto the top of the central Tower of Jesus Christ.

• New Height: The installation immediately raised the Sagrada Família's height to 162.91 meters (534 feet, 8 inches).

• The Crown is Passed: This height officially surpasses the spire of the Ulm Minster in Germany, which stands at 161.53 meters, and had held the record for the tallest church since 1890.

• Still Growing: The central Tower of Jesus Christ is not yet finished. Once the remaining sections of the cross are installed in the coming months, the tower will reach its final, planned height of 172 meters (564 feet), cementing its status as a permanent global record-holder.

🌟 Gaudí’s Vision Triumphs

The achievement is a testament to the enduring, visionary design of its original architect, Antoni Gaudí.

Gaudí took over the project in 1883 and transformed the original neo-Gothic plan into a sprawling, organic structure that draws heavily on natural forms and deep Christian symbolism. He famously knew he would not live to see its completion, once stating: "My client is not in a hurry."

The construction has overcome immense setbacks, including the Spanish Civil War, during which many of Gaudí’s original models and plans were destroyed, and a temporary halt during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pace has accelerated dramatically in recent years, largely funded by the millions of tourists who flock to Barcelona annually to witness this architectural marvel.

🗓️ The Final Countdown

The milestone brings the structural completion of the basilica closer than ever, aiming for a symbolic finish date:

• 2026 Goal: The central Tower of Jesus Christ is projected to be fully completed in 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí's death.

• Long-Term Works: While the main structure will be completed, decorative details, sculptures, and a controversial grand staircase are expected to continue for several more years, potentially into the next decade.

Today, the Sagrada Família is not just an active construction site and a UNESCO World Heritage site—it is a towering symbol of human dedication, architectural genius, and a 143-year-long journey finally culminating in a world record.