Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia basilica became the world’s tallest church on Thursday after a part of its central tower was lifted into place.
The masterwork of the architect Antoni Gaudí now rises to 162.91 metres (534ft 8in) above the city, the church said in a statement. That beats the spire of Ulm Minster in Germany, which tops out at 161.53 metres.
The Sagrada Familia has not formally laid claim to the title but the numbers are there to compare: it is now 1.38 metres (4ft 6in) taller than the church in Baden-Württemberg.
And it is still growing. The central Tower of Jesus Christ that is rising from the top of the church will reach to 172 metres when it is completed in the coming months.
A crane placed the first part of the tower on top of the nave on Thursday morning.
The first stone of the Sagrada Familia was placed in 1882 and Gaudí never expected it to be completed in his lifetime. Only one of its towers was finished when he died.
Work has sped up over recent decades as the basilica became a major international tourist attraction with people around the world enthralled by Gaudí’s unique aesthetic that combines Catholic symbolism and organic forms.
The money from entrance fees is used to fund the construction. Last year, 4.9 million people paid to visit.
Work on the church’s elaborate facades and decorating its interior will continue for several years. It is expected to be completely finished around a decade from now, church officials said this year.
Next year will be the 100th anniversary of the death of Gaudí. The church plans to hold several events to celebrate his legacy.
