It’s often said that the spectacular architecture of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona embodies everything architect Antoni Gaudí envisioned for the Spanish city, which is no small feat. The monumental church, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, never seems to be fully completed. Perhaps that’s one of its unique qualities. It’s constantly evolving. If the temple is finally finished in 2026, one thing is clear: It’ll be the tallest church in the world.
The Ulmer Münster currently holds the title. The Lutheran church, built in the Gothic style, is located in Ulm in Southern Germany. At 530 feet, it’s retained the title of the tallest church in the world since its completion in 1890. However, its reign may soon come to an end. The Sagrada Familia’s “Tower of Jesus Christ” is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, reaching about 566 feet and surpassing the German building by just 36 feet.
Many Germans might remain hopeful that the Barcelona church will face delays, which wouldn’t be unreasonable. The construction of the Sagrada Familia has already taken more than 142 years (and is still ongoing). However, the intention is to finish it in 2026 to mark the centenary of Gaudí’s death.
A glass cross. The last section that will make the Spanish temple the world’s tallest church is a 56-foot glass cross, which, interestingly, has been created by a German company. Despite this, the people of Ulm seem unconcerned. They believe that the true greatness of Ulmer Münster lies in its history and spiritual significance.
The cross is a walkable glass structure that will crown the Sagrada Familia’s Tower of Jesus Christ. It’s being constructed in six parts in Gundelfingen, a town located 22 miles from Ulm.
Delays. According to the German newspaper Bild, the German company Josef Gartner is responsible for manufacturing and assembling the glass cross. Josef Gartner is renowned for its facades and architectural projects and has a notable portfolio, including the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg and the Apple headquarters in San Francisco. The company won the bid for the project in Barcelona before the pandemic.
Work resumed at the end of 2023 after some interruptions caused by the coronavirus. The manufacturing of the components is progressing, and they’re expected to be transported to Barcelona gradually. Assembly of the tower is set to begin in early summer 2025.
The path to becoming a symbol. The history of the Ulmer Münster began in 1377, when the citizens of Ulm decided to replace their old parish church, located outside the city walls, with a new structure in the heart of the town. The decision was influenced by the dangers of crossing the city gates during the constant wars of the Middle Ages. The architecture was designed with the ambitious goal of having the tallest tower in the world and was funded directly by the citizens.
Construction faced many challenges. In 1543, work came to a halt due to the Protestant Reformation and the economic tensions of the time. For over three centuries, the structure remained unfinished until work resumed in 1844. Finally, on May 31, 1890, the church was completed, reaching a historic height of 530 feet. surpassing Cologne Cathedral, which stands at 515 feet.
An aerial view of the Ulmer Münster in Germany.
Resilience to time and destruction. During World War II, Ulm was almost completely destroyed in a bombing raid in 1944. Despite the devastation of the entire city, the Ulmer Münster remained standing, becoming a symbol of resistance and hope amid chaos. However, its age and natural wear and tear, combined with an influx of more than one million visitors each year, necessitate constant restoration and maintenance work.
Today, visitors can climb 560 steps to a platform located 335 feet above ground level, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. At 460 feet, the upper platform is currently closed for renovations and repairs to the staircase structure.
The city’s pride. According to AP, locals don’t view the loss of the world’s tallest church title as a tragedy. The church will continue to serve as a central symbol of the city, representing not only its impressive height but also the dedication of the generations who contributed to its construction. For residents like Christos Kalokerinos, the true value of the church lies in its rich history, spirituality, and architectural beauty, which far surpasses any world record.
Ulm also takes pride in its connection to scientist Albert Einstein, who was born in the city in 1879. Although he lived there for the first 15 months of his life, his connection to Ulm is still celebrated. Notably, Einstein returned to the city in 1923 and climbed to the top of the Ulmer Münster tower. Ulm now plans to emphasize this further in its tourism strategy.
Tourism. Ulm’s tourism department is prepared to adapt in the coming years. Spokesman Dirk Homburg told the AP that the city offers much more than just the church: a vibrant blend of art, culture, and tradition. The department also intends to enhance the visibility of Einstein’s legacy as an important symbol of the city and its historical significance.
While the Sagrada Familia will eventually take over the title, the Ulmer Münster will always stand as an incomparable monument. It’ll always reflect the history and resilience of the people of Ulm and the greatness of Gothic art. For its inhabitants, the whole world doesn’t have to recognize its importance; it’s enough for them to appreciate it themselves.
As the people of Ulm proudly say, their church will continue to serve as a spiritual and cultural beacon for future generations, regardless of its ranking in world records.
Image | Luis Fernando Felipe Alves
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