Barcelona officials and religious leaders inaugurated the final spire of the Sagrada Família basilica on June 11, 2026 [1].
The completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ marks the end of the exterior construction for a project that has spanned 144 years [1]. This milestone transforms the basilica into the tallest church in the world, and fulfills the original architectural vision of Antoni Gaudí [2].
The event coincides with the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death [3]. The architect's complex designs have guided generations of builders in Spain, though the project faced numerous delays and interruptions over the last century. The final spire serves as the crowning achievement of the building's height [2].
Reports on the ceremony's attendance vary. The Washington Post said Pope Leo XIV celebrated the inauguration [1], while Yahoo News (UK) said the ceremony was attended by Pope Francis [4]. Both sources agree that the event drew significant attention from city officials and international observers.
While the exterior height is now complete, the basilica is not entirely finished. Work continues on the interior details and surrounding plaza. The Tower of Jesus Christ represents the final structural addition to the skyline, ensuring the building reaches its intended peak [2].
The construction timeline of 144 years [1] reflects the scale of Gaudí's ambition and the challenges of building a monument of this size. The inauguration serves as a global tribute to the intersection of faith, art, and engineering in Barcelona [2].
“The Sagrada Família is now the tallest church in the world.”
The completion of the exterior height signifies the transition of the Sagrada Família from a perpetual construction site to a finished architectural landmark. By aligning the inauguration with the centenary of Gaudí's death, the project closes a century-long chapter of Catalan identity and religious art, though the ongoing interior work suggests the site will remain a focal point of active restoration and refinement for years to come.
