Sagrada Família’s 2026 Tower to Crown Gaudí’s Legacy as Europe’s Tallest Church

Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, the iconic basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí, is set to complete its central Tower of Jesus Christ by early 2026, marking a pivotal milestone in its century-long construction. The 172.5-meter tower, which will crown the basilica’s 18 spires, will make it the tallest Christian church in Europe, surpassing Germany’s Ulmer Münster by 10 meters title1^[1]. Xavier Martínez, the basilica’s general director, emphasized that this achievement will “mark the maximum height” of the structure, a feat he described as remarkable given the 21st-century context of rapid skyscraper construction title1^[1]. The tower’s completion coincides with the centenary of Gaudí’s death in 1926, with Pope Leo XIV invited to lead a solemn mass on June 10, 2026, to commemorate the occasion title3^[3].

The tower’s construction has progressed in phases, with the first pieces already installed and the cross’s lower arm ready for placement in late 2025. The final structure will be surrounded by five additional towers, including one dedicated to Mary and four for the evangelists title1^[1]. Despite this milestone, the basilica’s overall completion remains projected for 2035, as delays from wars, financial constraints, and the pandemic have pushed back earlier timelines title3^[3]. Head architect Jordi Faulí noted that the full project will require an additional decade, with challenges such as a proposed staircase at the main entrance—requiring the demolition of nearby apartment blocks—still under negotiation with city officials title3^[3].

The centenary of Gaudí’s death in 2026 will be marked by a series of events organized by the Sagrada Família and the Gaudí Council. These include a November 30 commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the completion of the Tower of Barnabé, the only tower Gaudí saw finished during his lifetime, and a June 10 inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ title4^[4]. The Sagrada Família’s Open Doors Days in September 2025 offered free access to 20,000 residents, showcasing progress on the Chapel of the Assumption and the tower’s cross components title4^[4]. The events, funded by donations rather than construction revenue, aim to balance public engagement with the basilica’s primary goal: completing its architectural legacy title5^[5].

Tourism remains a critical funding source for the basilica, with 4.9 million visitors recorded in 2024, generating revenue for ongoing construction. The site’s dual role as a place of worship and tourist attraction has prompted efforts to separate visitor flows from religious activities. For instance, multilingual Masses at the main altar in the basilica’s soaring nave have free tickets but face high demand, with hundreds turned away daily title6^[6]. While the focus on tourism has raised concerns about preserving the site’s spiritual essence, organizers stress the importance of educating visitors about the basilica’s religious and historical significance title6^[6].

The Sagrada Família’s completion remains a symbol of collective effort, with Gaudí’s original vision realized through generations of architects, engineers, and donors. The central tower’s finish in 2026 will not only honor Gaudí’s legacy but also reaffirm the basilica’s status as a global architectural marvel. As Martínez noted, the project’s endurance over 144 years reflects “the perseverance of an entire people” title3^[3]. While the final vision of Gaudí’s design remains unfulfilled, the Tower of Jesus Christ stands as a testament to the basilica’s evolving journey from unfinished masterpiece to one of Europe’s most revered landmarks.