New church tower is world's tallest - 20th April 2026

The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona's become the world's tallest church. With the glass and steel cross now in place, its central tower rises 172.5 metres into the sky.

Construction of architect Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece began in 1882. Gaudí died in 1926 with the building only 25 percent complete. He was buried in the church's crypt and, over the following 100 years, its construction's been going on around him.

The Sagrada Familia presents Gaudí's fusion of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles on a grand scale. It's a popular sightseeing destination, with 4.8 million visitors passing through its doors each year.

Although unfinished, the church is already a UNESCO world heritage site. Construction's paused several times due to war, pandemic and funding issues. Its current lead architect, Jordi Faulí, hopes to complete it.

Jordi Faulí: "But perhaps we can say that with the placement of the cross, we will be almost 80 percent through the whole construction."

The 20 percent which remains includes the church's main entrance. This 'Glory facade' features impressive steps sweeping down into a vast public square.

However, the land which is required for this has already been built on. It was developed for housing as the city expanded. 10,000 residents and 50 businesses which occupy the space don't want to leave.

The future of Gaudí's vision is in the hands of the city council. It may decide to demolish the existing apartment blocks. However, this will raise further questions. Who will fund the compulsory purchase of so many buildings? And where will those residents and businesses be relocated to?