Sagrada Família’s 2026 Tower Set to Complete Gaudí’s Vision as the Tallest Church in Europe
The Sagrada Família in Barcelona, renowned as Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpiece, is on track to complete its central Tower of Jesus Christ by early 2026. This milestone will bring the nearly 150-year construction project to a landmark moment. The tower, reaching 172.5 meters, will be the tallest Christian church in Europe—surpassing Germany’s Ulmer Münster by 10 meters title1 [ 1 ]. According to Xavier Martínez, general director of the basilica, achieving this “maximum height” is particularly noteworthy in an age defined by rapid skyscraper development title1 [ 1 ]. The timing of the tower’s completion will coincide with the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s passing in 1926, and Pope Leo XIV has been invited to preside over a commemorative mass on June 10, 2026 title3 [ 3 ].
The central tower’s construction has been advancing in stages, with several sections already in place and the lower arm of the cross scheduled for installation at the end of 2025. Once finished, the main tower will be encircled by five others—one in honor of Mary and four for the evangelists title1 [ 1 ]. Despite this significant progress, the entire basilica is not expected to be finished until 2035, following setbacks due to wars, funding shortages, and the pandemic title3 [ 3 ]. Chief architect Jordi Faulí explained that another decade will be needed to complete the project, with unresolved issues like a proposed main entrance staircase—which would require demolishing nearby residential buildings—still under discussion with city officials title3 [ 3 ].
In 2026, the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death will be commemorated with a series of events arranged by both the Sagrada Família and the Gaudí Council. These include a ceremony on November 30 to mark a century since the Tower of Barnabé—the only tower Gaudí saw finished—was completed, and an official unveiling of the Tower of Jesus Christ on June 10 title4 [ 4 ]. During the Sagrada Família’s Open Doors Days in September 2025, 20,000 locals were welcomed free of charge, allowing them to witness progress on the Chapel of the Assumption and the tower’s cross elements title4 [ 4 ]. All these commemorative activities, supported by private donations rather than construction funds, are intended to foster public involvement while maintaining the basilica’s main objective: completing its architectural legacy title5 [ 5 ].
Tourism continues to serve as a vital financial resource for the basilica, with 4.9 million visitors in 2024 helping to fund ongoing work. The dual function of the site as both a sacred place and a major tourist destination has led to new strategies for separating tourists from worshippers. For example, tickets to multilingual Masses at the basilica’s grand altar are free but highly sought after, leaving many unable to attend each day title6 [ 6 ]. While the increasing focus on tourism has sparked concerns about preserving the basilica’s spiritual heart, organizers remain committed to educating guests about its religious and historical importance title6 [ 6 ].
The ongoing construction of the Sagrada Família stands as a testament to shared dedication, with Gaudí’s vision being realized by generations of architects, engineers, and supporters. Completing the central tower in 2026 will not only celebrate Gaudí’s influence but also reinforce the basilica’s reputation as a global architectural gem. As Martínez remarked, the project’s 144-year journey showcases “the perseverance of an entire people” title3 [ 3 ]. Although Gaudí’s full vision is yet to be achieved, the Tower of Jesus Christ now symbolizes the basilica’s transformation from an unfinished project to a treasured European landmark.
