The Sagrada Família has become the tallest church in the world, after workers placed the first part of a cross at the top of its central tower.
Now measuring 162.91 metres tall, the Spanish basilica has officially pipped the record from the Ulm Minster in Germany, which has held the crown since 1890.
Designed by acclaimed architect Antoni Gaudí, the place of worship has been under construction in the centre of Barcelona for more than a century, with the main building due to be completed next year.
The central Tower of Jesus Christ will grow with the addition of the rest of the cross over the next few months, eventually standing at 172 metres tall.
The first stone of the Sagrada Família was placed in 1882, with up-and-coming architect Gaudí taking over the project the following year.
He transformed the original designs for the basilica into a far more ambitious proposal, which was initially funded by donations from repentant worshippers. At the time of his unexpected death in 1926, just one of the planned 18 towers had been built.
In the years following, the construction of the architectural marvel was managed by the Sagrada Família foundation, funded by contributions from tourists, visitors, and private donors.
The basilica has faced numerous challenges over its almost 150-year construction, including a devastating fire during the Spanish Civil War that destroyed many of Gaudí's plans. The recent Covid-19 pandemic caused further delays due to lack of tourism revenue.
General Director Xavier Martínez announced that the Tower of Jesus Christ is expected to be completed in 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudí's death, alongside events to commemorate the iconic architect.
Construction will continue over the next decade to finalize the intricate details, sculptures, and main entrance stairway.
