The Sagrada Família in Barcelona has recently become the tallest church in the world, reaching a height of 162.91 meters following the installation of the initial section of a cross atop its central tower. This elevation surpasses the previous record held by the Ulm Minster in Germany, which has been the tallest since 1890. Designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, construction of the basilica has been ongoing for over a century, with plans for completion of the main structure anticipated next year. The central Tower of Jesus Christ is set to rise further with the completion of the cross, ultimately reaching 172 meters.
Construction of the Sagrada Família began with the placement of its first stone in 1882, and Gaudí took over the project the following year, altering the original designs into a more ambitious vision. Initially, the project was funded by donations from worshippers. When Gaudí passed away in 1926, only one of the planned 18 towers had been completed. Since then, the Sagrada Família Foundation has managed the ongoing construction, relying on funding from tourists, visitors, and private donors.
The basilica’s construction has faced several challenges over its nearly 150-year history, including the destruction of plans and models during the Spanish Civil War. More recently, the construction was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in reduced tourism and funding.
In September 2023, Sagrada Família General Director Xavier Martínez announced that the Tower of Jesus Christ is expected to be finished in 2026, in time for the centenary of Gaudí’s death. The foundation plans to hold events to honor the architect, who is interred in the church’s crypt. Additional work on decorative elements and features at the entrance is projected to continue for the next decade.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9dr45g49yo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss