Barcelona’s towering Sagrada Familia basilica reached its maximum height on Friday, though the magnum opus of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi remains years away from completion. While the unfinished monument is already the world’s tallest church, with Friday’s addition the Sagrada Familia inched closer to being done. The first stone of the Sagrada Familia was placed in 1882, but Gaudi never expected it to be completed in his lifetime. Millions of tourists visit the Sagrada Familia every year, and entrance fees largely fund the ongoing construction. This year, the Sagrada Familia will hold several events to celebrate the Catalan Modernist’s legacy, which includes other stunning buildings in Barcelona and elsewhere in Spain.

Source: Irish Independent February 21, 2026 07:01 UTC