Quick Read
- On February 20, 2026, the Sagrada Família’s Tower of Jesus Christ reached its maximum height of 172.5 meters (566 feet).
- A 17-meter, 100-ton steel and glass cross was placed atop the central tower, completing external high-rise works.
- The basilica officially became the world’s tallest church in October 2025, surpassing Germany’s Ulmer Münster.
- The Tower of Jesus Christ’s inauguration is scheduled for June 10, 2026, marking the centenary of architect Antoni Gaudí’s death.
- Full completion of the Sagrada Família, including the Glory Facade and interior works, is still expected to take another decade.
BARCELONA (Azat TV) – Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Família basilica reached its maximum architectural height on Friday, February 20, 2026, as the final piece of the cross was hoisted atop the central Tower of Jesus Christ. This monumental achievement marks a critical step towards the basilica’s projected completion in 2026, coinciding with the centenary of its visionary architect, Antoni Gaudí.
Construction workers successfully placed the upper arm of a 17-meter, four-sided steel and glass cross onto the soaring central tower, bringing the structure to its full height of 172.5 meters (566 feet). The event was met with anticipation, as the Sagrada Família solidified its status as the world’s tallest church, a title it first claimed in October 2025 after surpassing Germany’s Ulmer Münster, which stands at 161.5 meters.
The Tower of Jesus Christ Crowns Barcelona
The installation of the final cross element, weighing approximately 100 tons and spanning 13.5 meters in width, represents the culmination of external high-rise works on the complex of six central towers. Jordi Faulí, the chief architect of the project, remarked on the significance of the day, stating it was ‘the day we have eagerly awaited.’ The cross, manufactured in Bavaria due to its complex design, features four arms, ensuring its distinctive shape is visible from all directions, as originally envisioned by Gaudí.
This major construction milestone sets the stage for the official inauguration and consecration of the Tower of Jesus Christ, scheduled for June 10, 2026. This date holds profound significance, marking exactly 100 years since Antoni Gaudí’s death in 1926. The church plans several events throughout the year to celebrate the Catalan Modernist’s enduring legacy. Once completed, the tower is expected to feature an observation deck, offering panoramic views of Barcelona.
Gaudí’s Vision and the Centenary Milestone
Antoni Gaudí, who took over the Sagrada Família project in 1883, never anticipated its completion during his lifetime. Only one of its multiple towers was finished by the time of his death at age 73. His radical aesthetic, blending Catholic symbolism with organic forms, has captivated millions, making the basilica one of Spain’s most visited attractions. Gaudí’s design for the Sagrada Família deliberately ensured that its height would not surpass Montjuïc hill, Barcelona’s main natural elevation, as a tribute to the Creator.
The journey of the Sagrada Família has been fraught with challenges. During the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, Catalan anarchists destroyed many of Gaudí’s original drawings and plaster models, necessitating decades of painstaking reconstruction. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic caused work stoppages due to a decline in tourism, as construction is primarily funded by entrance fees and private donations, which annually contribute around €150 million (approximately £131 million) to the project.
The Path to Full Sagrada Família Completion
While the Tower of Jesus Christ now stands at its full height, the basilica itself is still years away from complete fruition. Significant work remains, including the completion of the Glory Facade, which will serve as the main entrance, intricate interior finishes, and the construction of a grand staircase leading to the entrance. According to the Sagrada Família foundation, these final phases are expected to take another decade or so to complete, with three artists—Miquel Barceló, Cristina Iglesias, and Javier Marín—commissioned to present designs for the Glory Facade. Despite the remaining tasks, the topping out of the central tower marks a momentous occasion for Barcelonans, as their city’s silhouette begins to reflect Gaudí’s ultimate dream.
The Sagrada Família’s ascent to its maximum height, timed precisely with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death, offers a poignant reflection on the enduring power of a singular artistic vision realized across generations. This milestone not only celebrates a structural achievement but also underscores the profound cultural and spiritual significance of a project that has transcended a century of challenges to near its intended form.