Four feet higher and rising: Barcelona's Sagrada Familia becomes world's tallest church

"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 Gaudi 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 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 Gaudi never expected it to be completed in his lifetime."

"Work has sped up over recent decades as the basilica became a major international tourist attraction with people around the world enthralled by Gaudi'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."

Sagrada Familia now stands at 162.91 metres after a section of its central tower was lifted into place, surpassing Ulm Minster by 1.38 metres. The central Tower of Jesus Christ will reach 172 metres when completed in the coming months. Construction accelerated as the basilica became an international tourist attraction; entrance fees fund ongoing work and attracted 4.9 million visitors last year. The first stone was placed in 1882 and Antoni Gaudi died before completion. Work on facades and interior decoration will continue for several years, with final completion expected in about a decade and centenary events planned next year.

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