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Sagrada Familia Overcrowding: Barcelona to Create Dedicated Photo Zone for Tourists
Barcelona, a top global travel destination, is addressing overtourism at the iconic Sagrada Familia basilica. Scores of visitors gather daily, eager to capture the quintessential photograph of the renowned Gaudí masterpiece, often causing congestion and impacting local residents. City authorities have announced innovative plans to create a designated area near the basilica to better manage visitor flow and mitigate disruption.
Addressing Tourist Congestion at Sagrada Familia
For more than a decade, residents have raised concerns about the substantial influx of tourists obstructing pedestrian pathways and exacerbating traffic bottlenecks around the celebrated landmark. In response to these long-standing grievances, Barcelona’s municipal government has revealed strategies to tackle these issues and enhance the tourist experience while respecting the local community.
Dedicated Visitor Space
The envisioned zone aims to alleviate both pedestrian and vehicular traffic jams, providing locals with more accessible routes throughout the vicinity. This specific area will allow tourists to pause and take photographs without impeding the flow of people.
Location and Scope of the New Zone
The planned 6,200 square meter space will be situated between the Nativity façade of the basilica and Plaça Gaudí, specifically along Carrer de la Marina. This undertaking seeks to harmonize the requirements of millions of annual visitors with the needs of the neighboring residents and businesses.
TikTok Trend Disruption
Plaça Gaudí, the plaza situated near the basilica, has previously experienced tourism-related challenges. Recently, it became a popular location for a TikTok trend where individuals recorded themselves on metro escalators with the Sagrada Familia as a backdrop. This activity resulted in blocked station exits and ultimately led to a prohibition of the trend due to the significant inconvenience it generated.
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City Council Statement
“This novel project serves to resolve the friction between the utilization of space by temple visitors and the local neighborhood,” stated Barcelona city council representatives in a public statement.
Project Timeline and Investment
Construction of this designated gathering area is scheduled to commence after the summer months and is projected to be finished by April 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudí’s passing. The €2.7 million project is part of a larger €15.5 million initiative focused on upgrading infrastructure and visitor management protocols surrounding the Sagrada Familia.
Sagrada Familia’s Popularity
The basilica, a major landmark in Barcelona, annually attracts 4.7 million visitors, making it the second most frequented site in Spain, after the Alhambra in Granada. With Barcelona welcoming 32 million tourists each year, effectively managing this volume of visitors has become a critical priority for the city.
Barcelona’s Broader Overtourism Strategy
In recent years, Barcelona has implemented diverse measures to combat overtourism. In 2024, the city initiated a €44 million plan to regulate crowds at 16 key tourist hotspots. This plan involves increasing the presence of cleaning staff and law enforcement officers to maintain order and ensure public safety.
Rebranding Barcelona Tourism
Furthermore, Barcelona gained attention last year by revamping its tourism slogan. Shifting from “Visit Barcelona,” which had been in use for 15 years, to the new slogan “This is Barcelona,” the rebranding reflects the city’s commitment to moving away from mass tourism towards a more sustainable and responsible approach.
Long-Term Sustainability Initiatives
As part of its long-term goals, Barcelona has committed to eliminating short-term tourist apartment rentals by 2028 and restricting the number of cruise ships permitted to dock in the city. These measures are designed to promote a more balanced and sustainable tourism model.
Mayor’s Perspective on Tourism
Speaking on these initiatives, the Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, stressed the significance of tourism contributing positively to the city, rather than overwhelming it. “Tourism needs to be serving the city’s model, not the opposite,” he affirmed, highlighting the city’s dedication to sustainable tourism management.