The Sagrada Família has become the tallest church in the world following the completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ [1].

This milestone marks the fulfillment of a design vision that began 144 years ago [1]. While the tower's completion is a major architectural achievement, the project remains incomplete as the basilica and the city of Barcelona negotiate the final stages of the Glory Facade.

The Tower of Jesus Christ reached a final height of 172.5 meters [1]. The final piece of the basilica's current phase was placed on Feb. 20, 2026 [4]. This achievement utilizes 21st-century technology to realize the original blueprints of Antoni Gaudí.

Despite the height record, the Glory Facade remains unfinished. The Junta Constructora, led by president Esteve Camps, is working toward an agreement with the Barcelona City Council to resolve urban planning conflicts in the Eixample district [3, 5]. These negotiations involve the future of residents affected by the construction of the facade, and its accompanying bridge [5].

Camps said the bridge is indisputable because it is a project of Gaudí [2]. The construction of this section is critical to the structural and symbolic completion of the church.

The project has long been characterized by its generational timeline. A spokesperson for the Junta Constructora said that Gaudí did not lament his inability to finish the temple, noting that while he would age, others would come after him [6].

Recent efforts have focused on balancing this historical legacy with modern urban needs. Agreements announced on March 24, 2026, suggest that a resolution with the city is nearing, which would allow the final facade to proceed [3, 5].

“The Sagrada Família has become the tallest church in the world.”

The completion of the central tower establishes a physical peak for the basilica, but the remaining conflict over the Glory Facade highlights the tension between preserving a historical masterpiece and the rights of modern urban residents. The outcome of the negotiations with the Barcelona City Council will determine if the church can be fully completed according to Gaudí's original plans or if the urban landscape of the Eixample district will force architectural compromises.