Sagrada Familia completes Jesus Tower becoming the world's tallest church

The placement of the cross at 172.5 meters high marks a historic milestone for Gaudi's masterpiece in Barcelona.

Generic image of the completion of a cathedral tower with flags waving at the top.
IA

Generic image of the completion of a cathedral tower with flags waving at the top.

The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona reached its maximum height this Friday following the completion of the Jesus Tower, which now stands at 172.5 meters tall.

The installation of the final cross arm marks the structural completion of the central tower. This achievement allows Antoni Gaudi's masterpiece to surpass Ulm Minster in Germany, previously the world's tallest church at 161.5 meters. Construction on this specific tower began in 2018.

"With the placement of the upper arm of the cross of the Jesus Christ tower, the Sagrada Familia reaches its highest point."

Construction Board · Temple management
Two flags now fly at the summit: the Catalan Senyera and the Vatican flag. Following a medieval building tradition, the local flag signifies that the structure was finished safely, while the Vatican colors represent its status as the tallest Catholic temple globally.