Barcelona’s Sagrada Família has officially become the tallest church in the world after the completion of the upper section of its central tower, reports the Associated Press.
The masterpiece by architect Antoni Gaudí now stands 162.91 metres tall, surpassing Ulm Minster in Germany (161.53 metres). Built between 1543 and 1890, Ulm Cathedral had held the title of the world’s tallest church until now.
Although Sagrada Família has never claimed the title, the figures speak for themselves: the basilica now rises roughly a metre higher than its German counterpart. The central Jesus Christ Tower will reach 172 metres once completed in the coming months.
Construction began in 1882, and Gaudí knew he would never see it finished. Only one of the church’s towers was completed during his lifetime. In recent decades, however, progress has accelerated as the basilica became one of the world’s most visited architectural landmarks.
Entrance fees continue to fund the ongoing work. In 2024 alone, 4.9 million people visited Sagrada Família, with 15% of them arriving from the United States.
Work on the intricate façades and interior decoration will continue for several more years, with full completion expected within the next decade. Next year marks 100 years since Gaudí’s death, and several events will celebrate his legacy.