The Sagrada Família in Barcelona has become the tallest church in the world following the completion of the Tower of Jesus [1].
This milestone coincides with the centenary of the death of architect Antoni Gaudí, whose vision for the basilica has spanned generations. The completion of the central tower represents the final architectural push to realize the master plan before the anniversary of Gaudí's death on June 10 [2].
RTVE Noticias aired a special broadcast to commemorate the architect's legacy and the progress of the basilica. The new Tower of Jesus reaches a height of 172 meters [3]. This structural achievement ensures the basilica surpasses all other religious buildings in height globally [1].
The Tower of Jesus is scheduled for final completion in June 2026 [4]. This timing is intentional, as it aligns with the 100-year anniversary of Gaudí's death, which occurred on June 10, 1926 [2].
Organizers have sought the presence of the Pope for a special mass to mark the centenary [2]. The event serves as both a religious observance and a celebration of Spanish architectural innovation. The basilica has evolved from a local project into a global symbol of endurance and art, a process that took a century to reach its peak.
While the central tower is now a reality, the project has long been a subject of international fascination. The scale of the 172-meter tower [3] reflects the ambition of Gaudí's original designs, which blended organic forms with Gothic traditions. The completion of this specific spire is the primary focus of the June 2026 celebrations [4].
“The Sagrada Família in Barcelona has become the tallest church in the world”
The completion of the Tower of Jesus transforms the Sagrada Família from a long-term construction site into a finished architectural record. By timing the completion with the 1926 centenary, the project closes a century-long loop between Gaudí's death and the physical realization of his most ambitious spire, cementing the site's status as a global landmark of science and art.
