Barcelona has announced plans to construct a tourist zone outside the iconic La Sagrada Familia, the Basilica designed by Antoni Gaudi, to ease congestion caused by visitors.
Tourists often block the roads and pavements while taking selfies or group photos, resulting in complaints from residents, according to Travel Tomorrow.
Last year, tourists were banned from taking photos on escalators leading up to the attraction after a viral TikTok trend caused congestion. The trend involved placing phones on the escalators so Tik-Tok users could film themselves as the Basilica appeared in the background.
To ease congestion, authorities plan to build a 6 200sqm public plaza for tourists to gather, rest and take photos before entering the Basilica, reducing crowds on the roads and walkways. The zone will be built between the Nativity Façade and Plaça Gaudí on Carrer de la Marina.
Construction is expected to begin after the summer and be completed by April 2026 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death.
