Barcelona gets tallest church - 20th April 2026

Builders have finished the main tower of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. It now measures 172.5 metres, which makes it the tallest church in the world.

The church was designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí. It's been under construction since 1882 and still isn't complete.

Gaudí's buildings are famous for their mix of Gothic and Art Nouveau artistic styles. The unfinished church is a popular sight in Barcelona. Nearly five million tourists visit the Sagrada Familia every year.

There have been lots of problems with building the church. Construction's been stopped by wars, pandemics and financial problems.

It's now 80 percent complete, says the project's head architect, Jordi Faulí.

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

Faulí now has another problem to manage. The design includes wide steps and a huge square in front of the main entrance. But the city has grown since the original designs were made.

The land now contains blocks of apartments. They're home to 10,000 people and 50 businesses. They don't want to leave.

Barcelona's city council will decide what happens. Faulí doesn't know if it will allow him to build the main entrance. If they do, it needs to decide who pays for the land. It will also need to find new homes for the people and businesses.