The world’s tallest church has finally reached its peak. But behind the fireworks and papal blessings, a different battle is unfolding on the streets of Barcelona.
When the cross was hoisted atop the Tower of Jesus Christ on February 20, 2026, a 144-year journey reached its symbolic climax. The Sagrada Familia — Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece — had finally become the tallest church in the world at 172.5 metres (566 feet).
On June 10, 2026, exactly 100 years after Gaudí’s death, Pope Leo XIV stood before the completed tower, sprinkled holy water, and blessed the basilica in a ceremony that drew global attention. Fireworks illuminated the Barcelona skyline. The world watched. History was made.
But if you think the Sagrada Familia story ends there, you haven’t been paying attention.
For a complete breakdown of the 2026 milestone, including ticket prices, opening hours, and everything you need to plan your visit, check out our detailed guide: Sagrada Familia 2026: The Miracle Is Finally Here.
Now, let’s talk about what happens next.
The Glory Façade Problem: A Battle Over Barcelona’s Soul
Here’s the catch: the Sagrada Familia is still not fully finished.
The Glory Façade — the grand main entrance that Gaudí envisioned as the basilica’s crowning glory — remains unbuilt. And the plan for its construction involves demolishing up to 400 homes in the surrounding neighbourhood. Some estimates put the number of affected residents as high as 1,000 across two city blocks.
The project would create a monumental staircase and plaza in front of the church’s main entrance. But the residents of the Sagrada Familia neighbourhood are fighting back.
Negotiations between the Barcelona City Council and local residents have been ongoing. The key questions are simple but explosive:
- How many residents will be displaced?
- Where will they be rehoused?
- How will they be compensated?
The Barcelona City Council has not yet set a timetable for a final decision. But the longer this lingers, the more it threatens to tarnish what should be a moment of celebration.
A City Divided: Celebrating History or Fearing a Housing War?
The controversy has split Barcelona.
For the Catholic Church and millions of visitors, the Sagrada Familia is a sacred, architectural wonder — a UNESCO World Heritage site that draws millions of pilgrims and tourists every year.
For many locals, it is the symbol of a housing crisis.
The Anti-Tourism Backlash
Barcelona has been ground zero for Europe’s anti-overtourism movement. In 2024, locals took to the streets to protest the city’s surging visitor numbers. The Sagrada Familia’s completion has only amplified those fears.
With the tower now complete, visitor numbers are expected to soar even higher. The “Gaudí Year 2026” celebrations have already bolstered Barcelona’s popularity as a cultural destination. Local residents worry that the basilica’s completion will pour fuel on the overtourism fire.
Some tourism operators are already reporting an increase in bookings. The city has seen a surge in hospitality and commerce around the basilica.
The 2028 Goal and the 2035 Horizon
The Tower of Jesus Christ is now complete, and the interior is expected to be finished by 2028. But the full completion of the basilica — including the Glory Façade, the grand staircase, and all decorative elements — is currently projected for around 2035.
For the construction team, the work continues. For the residents of Barcelona, the fight continues. For the rest of us, the Sagrada Familia’s story is far from over.
What This Means for Visitors in 2026
Tickets and Demand
If you’re planning to visit the Sagrada Familia in 2026, book your tickets well in advance. The completion celebrations, the papal blessing, and the “Gaudí Year” designation have made this a banner year for tourism.
- Basic entry: ~€26
- Tower access: €36–47
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (April–September)
How to Visit Responsibly
If you’re travelling to Barcelona, consider:
- Booking tickets weeks in advance to avoid last-minute stress
- Visiting during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon)
- Supporting local businesses rather than large chains
- Respecting the neighbourhood — this is a residential area, not just a tourist attraction
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sagrada Familia really finished in 2026?
The structure is complete — the Tower of Jesus Christ reached its full height on February 20, 2026. But the basilica is still only about 80% complete. The Glory Façade and final decorative work are expected to continue until 2035-2036.
What is the controversy about?
The planned Glory Façade and monumental staircase require demolishing parts of the surrounding neighbourhood, displacing hundreds of residents. Local residents and the City Council are negotiating compensation and rehousing.
Is the Sagrada Familia the tallest church in the world?
Yes. At 172.5 metres (566 feet), it is now the tallest church in the world.
What happened on June 10, 2026?
Pope Leo XIV blessed the completed Tower of Jesus Christ on the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death. The ceremony included fireworks and a light show.
Will the Sagrada Familia be finished by 2030?
No. The interior is expected to be finished by 2028, but the Glory Façade and other final elements are projected for 2035-2036.
Your Turn: Visit, Learn, and Decide
The Sagrada Familia is one of the most extraordinary buildings on Earth. It is also a reminder that every great achievement comes with trade-offs.
If you want to see it for yourself — and experience the miracle of 2026 — start here:
👉 Sagrada Familia 2026: The Miracle Is Finally Here
That guide covers:
- Ticket prices and opening hours
- The dress code (yes, you can wear jeans)
- How to book tower access
- What to expect inside the basilica
- Answers to the most common visitor questions
The Sagrada Familia has been under construction for over 140 years. It has survived wars, revolutions, funding crises, and countless controversies. Now it stands tall — a monument to faith, art, and human persistence.
But the story isn’t over. It never really is.
Sources
- RNZ: Enormous tower means Sagrada Familia has reached final height
- NHK World-Japan: Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia scales new heights
- The Brussels Times: Cross atop Jesus Christ tower brings Sagrada Família to full height
- Newsweek: World’s tallest church hits building milestone
- BBC: Fireworks illuminate Barcelona’s Sagrada Família during Pope Leo visit
- Domus: The Sagrada Família seems finished. But the project involves new demolitions
- Ara.cat: Town Hall and neighbours open the negotiation for the Sagrada Familia staircase
- Wall Street Journal: Barcelona’s Sagrada Família Nears Completion—and Inflames a Tourism Backlash
- Daily Mail: Sagrada Familia is finally complete – but how will locals respond?
- TravelPulse: Pope Leo XIV Blesses Barcelona’s Completed Gaudí Basilica
