Tourists take photos as they visit the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, on August 2, 2025. / Credit: Manaure QUINTERO/AFP.
ACI Prensa Staff, Oct 31, 2025 / 17:57 pm (CNA).
The Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) minor basilica in Barcelona is now the tallest church in the world, standing at 535 ft., surpassing Ulm Germany’s main church, whose construction began in the 14th century.
According to the Sagrada Familia Expiatory Church Construction Board Foundation, as reported Oct. 30 by the Archdiocese of Barcelona, ”the first element that forms part of the cross on the tower of Jesus Christ” was installed, marking the beginning of the final phase of construction of the church’s central tower.
Working at a height of more than 150 metres, the crane operators also make it possible for the Sagrada Família to keep growing and rising up towards the Barcelona sky. 🏗 This video takes a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of the Basilica’s crane operators. Don’t miss… pic.twitter.com/8ead28LCEG
— La Sagrada Família (@sagradafamilia) October 31, 2025
This latest addition consists of the lower portion of the cross, measuring over 20 ft. high and weighing 24 tons. “With a double-twist geometry, the lower portion has a square shape at the base that transforms into an octagonal shape at the top,” whose exterior is “clad with white glazed ceramic and glass, materials that stand out for their reflective properties and resistance to atmospheric conditions,” the news brief explains.
The tower of Jesus Christ is the tallest of the central towers of the church designed by Antoni Gaudí, who died a century ago. The completion of this structure “will be a historic milestone for Sagrada Familia and a tribute to its architect.”
More than 140 years of history
The first stone of Sagrada Familia Basilica was laid on March 19, 1882, according to the design of the architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. The following year, Antoni Gaudí took over the project, modifying it according to his architectural genius and renowned Modernist style. From 1914, Gaudí dedicated himself exclusively to this church until his death on June 10, 1926.
On April 14, 2025, Pope Francis declared the architect venerable, in accordance with the criteria set by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.
