It took 144 years to build the tallest church in the world in Barcelona, Spain. The final tower was finally completed. Work on Antoni Gaudí’s basilica began 144 years ago, in 1882, but was repeatedly interrupted by Gaudí’s death, the destruction of planning models, unreliable funding, and, more recently, the pandemic.

But last week, on June 10—100 years since Gaudi’s death—Pope Leo XIV arrived in the city to inaugurate the basilica’s final tower, the Torre de Jesucristo, in the first official papal visit to Spain in 15 years. With this spire complete, the Familia is now officially the tallest church in the world.

And while the Familia was officially “finished” this year, there is still more to come. They are going to build a Glory Facade outside the basilica. Construction is expected to displace 15,000 residents.
Residents are not pleased.

Meanwhile, the 560 ft of the Torre de Jesucristo soars above Barcelona.