The largest church in the world with maximum height. Conflict for continuation

The architectural icon, Sagrada Familia, has reached its maximum height. However, this is not the end of work on the largest church in the world and the life’s work of Antoni Gaudí.

This is a milestone in construction works that have been going on for 144 years. Last Friday at 11:00 a.m. the upper arm of a 17-meter, four-sided, steel and glass cross was hoisted to the top of the Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona. Its first element – the lower arm – was placed on the Tower of Christ on October 27, 2025, increasing the tower to 162.91 meters.

It was then that the Art Nouveau icon of Barcelona became the tallest church in the world. She took the title from the Hauptkirche church in Ulm, Germany. Thanks to the element added on Friday, it reached a height of 172.5 meters.

Milestone. It is the tallest church in the world

Jordi Faulí, chief architect of the project, was present on site. “The completion of the cross on the tower of Jesus Christ is more than just the culmination of the construction phase: it is the result of many years of work and exploration of the legacy left to us by Antoni Gaudí. It is also a strong commitment for the future to continue work on the completion of Sagrada Familia.” – he said.

Is this the end? Turns out not. Although this is a milestone in work on the external structure, in the longer term there are works inside the cross, planned for 2027 and 2028. According to Gaudi’s vision, a lamb will be placed inside – Agnus Dei (Lamb of God), designed by the Italian artist Andrea Mastrovito.

Mastrovito’s work will be composed of glass fragments and suspended on the upper arm of a cross inside a funnel-shaped geometric structure called a hyperboloid.

Esteve Camps, chairman of the church construction council, reported that work on the facades and interior decoration remained temple may last until 2035. The facade will be decorated with up to 100 sculptures.

What about the stairs at the Sagrada Familia? Residents against

The biggest problems will be caused by the plans to build stairs, which have sparked opposition from residents and entrepreneurs. Euronews reported that the implementation would involve the demolition of residential and office blocks adjacent to the existing building and the displacement of approximately 1,000 families and entrepreneurs.

In February 2025, El Pais reported that main construction works on the monumental façade of Glory – which will be the main entrance to the basilica – are underway. The staircase project has not yet been launched and there are ongoing disputes over it. It is not known how many residents may be displaced.

It’s not just the solar eclipse this summer that will attract more tourists to Spain. On June 10, 2026, on the hundredth anniversary of Gaudi’s death, a ceremony is planned to mark the completion of the construction of the Tower of Christ.

FAQ – Sagrada Famiilia

When did construction of the Sagrada Familia begin?

The construction of the temple designed by Antoni Gaudi began on March 19, 1882 in Barcelona. The work has been going on with interruptions for 144 years.

Since when is it the tallest church in the world?

The Sagrada Familia has been the tallest church in the world since October 2025. The previous record holder was the Hauptkirche in Ulm (162.9 m). By adding the upper arm of the cross on the Tower of Christ, it reached its maximum height of 172.5 meters.