The Sagrada Familia has finally been completed, 144 years after construction started, and now dominates the Barcelona skyline at a height of 172 meters, one hundred years after Antoni Gaudí’s death. It is now the tallest Christian church globally.
Gaudí envisioned the architectural elements to merge styles and transform stone into living elements, reflecting a connection to nature. The construction was funded entirely through donations and ticket sales, involving every visitor in this monumental project.
The Sagrada Família is set to reach structural completion by June 2026, marking the centennial of Gaudí’s death, with the central Tower of Jesus Christ finished on February 20, 2026. A ceremony is planned for June 10, 2026, commemorating Gaudí’s centenary, and 16 years after Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the church.
Decorative work and the Glory Facade stairway are anticipated to continue until 2034.
Key Completion Details:
- Central Tower & Cross: The 17-meter steel and glass cross on the Tower of Jesus Christ was completed on February 20, 2026.
- Total Height: At 172.5 meters, it surpasses Ulm Minster as the tallest church in the world.
- Schedule & Delays: Construction began in 1882, passing its midpoint in 2010. Delays occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the 2026 target for main structure completion was preserved.
- Exterior Features: The six central towers (Jesus, Mary, and four Evangelists) are finished.
The project has benefitted from technological advancements, including computer-aided design (CAD) and computerised numerical control (CNC), to accelerate construction.
Illustrative Photo by Stephan Leuzinger: https://www.pexels.com/photo/sagrada-familia-facade-in-barcelona-35134146/
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