Ulm Minster loses title: Sagrada Família towers over the tallest church tower

Ulm Minster loses title: Sagrada Família towers over the tallest church tower

There's news from the world of architecture! Ulm Minster, until recently the tallest church tower in the world, has lost its title. Last Thursday, after the assembly of the lower element of the tower cross, the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, ​​with a height of 163 meters, surpassed the Ulm Minster, which measures 161.53 meters. This event marks a significant step in the history of the famous basilica, as the central tower of the Sagrada Família now measures 162.91 meters and will continue to grow.

The Sagrada Família, which is one of the most famous sights in Spain, was created by the legendary architect Antoni Gaudí. Construction of the impressive church began in 1882, inspired by José María Bocabella, who was so excited by a visit to the Vatican that he came up with the idea of ​​building a church modeled on the basilica in Loreto. Gaudí soon took over construction management and left behind a distinctive architectural legacy. At his death in 1926, the basilica was only 15 to 25 percent complete.

The construction progress of the Sagrada Família

The Sagrada Família is expected to reach a total height of 172.50 meters, making it the tallest church in the world. The installation of the tower cross marks the beginning of the final construction phase of the “Tower of Jesus Christ”, which is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2026. This date is special because it is also intended to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudí's death, for which various events have been announced.

The Sagrada Família looks back on an eventful building history. After Gaudí's death, his main student Domènec Sugrañes i Gras continued the work, which was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War in 1936. Many of the unfinished parts and models were destroyed during the war. But from 1940 onwards, various architects came together to continue the construction. Thanks to modern technologies, the project has made remarkable progress in recent years.

Another exciting development is the use of computer design technologies that enable the prefabrication of stones. This is done in order to modernize the construction method and make the work more efficient. The main facades - the Nativity, Passion and Gloria facades - are also special highlights of the building, although the Gloria facade is the largest and is still unfinished.

Looking to the future

The Sagrada Família not only attracts tourists who are willing to pay between 15 and 20 euros entrance fee, but it also secures an annual construction budget of 25 million euros to continue construction work. The church is expected to be fully completed in the 2030s, but it is already considered a masterpiece by architects and historians.

Barcelona has not only set a new record, but also the opportunity to benefit from an architectural heritage that goes far beyond the box. The Sagrada Família is not only considered remarkable in the building scene, but also as an impressive symbol of faith and art.

For anyone interested, it is always a reason to visit the city that teaches history and inspires people - just as Antoni Gaudí did with his life's work.

Further information about this fascinating building is available at SWR and the Wikipedia page to the Sagrada Família.