The Sagrada Família has become the tallest church in the world, after workers placed the first part of a cross at the top of its central tower.
Now measuring 162.91 metres tall, the Spanish basilica has officially pipped the record from the Ulm Minster in Germany, which has held the crown since 1890.
Designed by acclaimed architect Antoni Gaudí, the place of worship has been under construction in the centre of Barcelona for more than a century, with the main building due to be completed next year.
The central Tower of Jesus Christ will grow with the addition of the rest of the cross over the next few months, eventually standing at 172 metres tall.
The first stone of the Sagrada Família was placed in 1882, with Gaudí taking over the project the following year. He transformed the original designs for the basilica into a far more ambitious proposal, initially funded by donations from repentant worshippers. At the time of his unexpected death in 1926, just one of the planned 18 towers had been built.
In the years following, the construction has been managed by the Sagrada Família foundation, funded by contributions from tourists, visitors, and private donors.
Although construction has faced numerous challenges, including the Spanish Civil War and the Covid-19 pandemic, expectations are set for the Tower of Jesus Christ to be completed in 2026, coinciding with Gaudí's centenary. The foundation plans to hold events commemorating the architect, who is buried in the church's crypt.
Work on decorative details, sculptures, and a stairway leading to the main entrance will continue into the next decade.
