Gaudí church's towering achievement - 20th April 2026

The Sagrada Familia, with its central tower now crowned by a steel and glass cross, has taken the title of the world's tallest church. Piercing the Barcelona cityscape at a height of 172.5 metres, the building designed by architect Antoni Gaudí embodies his signature combination of the Gothic and Art Nouveau on a breathtaking scale.

Despite work commencing in 1882, the building was a mere 25 percent complete on Gaudí's death in 1926, and construction remains ongoing. The architect was interred in the basilica's crypt, and the building's slowly risen around him in the face of interruptions from war, pandemics and funding crises.

Notwithstanding it being a construction site, the Sagrada Familia was long since awarded UNESCO world heritage status and routinely draws around 4.8 million visitors a year. It's the ambition of the project's current lead architect, Jordi Faulí, to see the church to its completion.

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 Glory facade, providing the main, southern entrance to the basilica, is one vital element of the design that's yet to be realised. However, this imposing structure, complete with sweeping staircase leading up to the church from a planned public square, is beset with practical difficulties.

Central to these challenges is that the land intended for this design has long since had apartment blocks constructed on it. These would require demolition, displacing 10,000 residents and 50 businesses, according to Spanish television reports.

The decision surrounding its fate and any forced expropriation of premises rests with Barcelona's city council. However, uncertainty remains over who might foot the bill for the land and relocation of businesses and residents, should permission be granted.