Barcelona's Sagrada Família has overtaken Ulm Cathedral as the world's tallest church tower, now reaching 162.91 meters. This ends the 135-year record held by the Baden-Württemberg landmark. The basilica's completion is planned for 2026.
For 135 years, Ulm Cathedral's tower at exactly 161.53 meters was the world's tallest. Completed in 1890, the Baden-Württemberg landmark has now been surpassed by Barcelona's Sagrada Família. With the attachment of the first cross segment to the central Tower of Jesus Christ, the basilica has reached 162.91 meters for the first time.
"With the lower cross arm, the central tower reaches a height of 162.91 meters and thus surpasses the Ulm Cathedral for the first time," the church announced. The component, the lower arm of the cross, measures 7.25 meters and weighs 24 tons. It was manufactured in Bavaria and delivered to Barcelona in four parts in July. Since then, it has been waiting on a 54-meter-high platform over the nave for installation. The finished cross will be 17 meters high and 13.5 meters wide, comparable to a five-story building. The outer shell of white glazed ceramic and glass reflects light and withstands extreme weather conditions.
The final construction phase of the Sagrada Família has begun. The official inauguration is scheduled for June 10, 2026, the 100th anniversary of architect Antoni Gaudí's death. Construction of the church north of the old town started in 1882. Gaudí worked on it for 40 years until he died in 1926 from a traffic accident near the site. The complete completion is expected in the 2030s. A beatification process for Gaudí has been ongoing since 2000. Upon completion in 2026, the basilica will stand at 172.50 meters, over ten meters taller than Ulm's tower.