La Sagrada Familia Is Getting a Selfie Zone to Stop Tourist Chaos
Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, is finally getting a dedicated selfie zone in an effort to curb the increasing chaos caused by millions of tourists. While the stunning basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí has long been a symbol of architectural brilliance and spiritual devotion, its popularity has come with a price—overcrowded streets, blocked sidewalks, and rising tensions between visitors and locals. Now, city officials are taking bold steps to restore balance.(Toogoodonline)
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A Square to Capture the Moment Without the Mayhem
To address the growing problem, Barcelona’s local government and the church’s board have unveiled plans to create a 6,200-square-meter public square in front of La Sagrada Familia. The space is being dubbed an anteroom—essentially, a welcome area where tourists can pause, take photos, and enjoy the basilica’s majesty without clogging the narrow streets or blocking the church entrances.
The idea behind this development is straightforward: if tourists are going to stop for selfies and videos anyway, why not provide a safe, open space for it? The square will act as a buffer zone, keeping foot traffic moving smoothly while reducing the congestion that has become a daily struggle for nearby residents.
The project is scheduled for completion by April 2026, which is symbolically significant—it marks the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudí’s death. The basilica, which began construction in 1882, is also projected to be finished by that year, making the completion of both the church and its selfie zone a historic milestone for the city.
Safety First: No More Escalator Selfie Videos
Tourists eager to capture every step of their journey have also been pushing the limits in other parts of the city. A recent trend saw people placing their smartphones on the steps of escalators near the basilica to film dramatic rising videos toward the iconic towers. While it might look good on Instagram, it created real safety hazards.
In response, Barcelona’s public transport authority (TMB) has banned the practice outright. New signs warn against setting phones down on escalators, and security staff have been deployed at busy stations to enforce the rules. The move aims to reduce unnecessary risks and make tourist behavior more mindful and respectful of public spaces.(Toogoodonline)
The Daily Strain on Residents
While tourists may only spend a day or two admiring La Sagrada Familia, those who live nearby experience its impact year-round. Over the years, locals have raised complaints about streets overwhelmed with people, noise levels, blocked doorways, and a general lack of peace in their own neighborhoods. This strain has led the city to rethink its approach to tourism management more broadly.
Barcelona’s city council has invested €15.5 million in a series of urban upgrades designed to reclaim public spaces for residents and reduce the negative footprint of tourism. This includes more police presence to maintain order, increased cleaning services, and infrastructure improvements to ease pedestrian flow around key tourist areas.
The selfie zone is only one part of this broader initiative to ensure that Barcelona remains a livable city, not just a tourist attraction.
Controversial Staircase Plan Raises Eyebrows
While the new selfie square is widely seen as a smart and respectful solution, not all of the basilica’s expansion plans have been met with such enthusiasm. A particularly controversial proposal involves building a grand staircase at the front entrance of the church—a feature originally envisioned by Gaudí but never constructed.
The catch? To make room for it, three residential buildings would need to be demolished, displacing more than 1,000 residents. Unsurprisingly, the plan has triggered public protests, legal debates, and emotional appeals from those who’ve lived in the area for decades.
At the heart of the issue is a classic clash between cultural preservation and community rights. Should the city honor Gaudí’s vision at all costs, or prioritize the well-being of the people who actually live there today? So far, no final decision has been made, and negotiations between city officials, architects, and residents are ongoing.
Cultural Respect and Tourist Etiquette
Alongside the physical changes to the area, there’s also a growing call for tourists to better respect the sanctity of La Sagrada Familia as a religious and cultural site. Incidents have been reported of inappropriate selfies, loud behavior during mass, and even people climbing onto parts of the structure for a better view or photo opportunity.
These situations have prompted church officials to increase signage and staff presence inside the basilica to educate visitors on appropriate behavior. Respecting sacred sites is not just about tradition—it’s about preserving the atmosphere of reverence and awe that Gaudí so carefully wove into every corner of the basilica’s design.
Conclusion
As cities around the world grapple with the dual forces of global tourism and local sustainability, Barcelona’s approach to managing La Sagrada Familia could set a valuable precedent. The new selfie square reflects a broader philosophy: embrace the reality of tourism, but guide it in a way that protects both people and places.
By creating a space where visitors can celebrate the basilica’s grandeur without interfering with daily life or risking safety, Barcelona is showing that design, tradition, and tourism can coexist—if given the right framework.
As we look ahead to the 2026 centenary of Gaudí’s death and the long-awaited completion of his masterpiece, the hope is that both tourists and locals will find new harmony in the evolving story of La Sagrada Familia.(Toogoodonline)
FAQs
Q 1. Why is La Sagrada Familia getting a selfie zone?
Ans: The selfie zone is being created to manage tourist overcrowding and prevent chaos caused by people stopping in busy streets and sidewalks to take photos. The designated area will allow visitors to enjoy views of the basilica safely and without disrupting pedestrian flow.
Q 2. What will the selfie zone look like?
Ans: The selfie zone will be part of a 6,200-square-meter public square in front of La Sagrada Familia. It will serve as a spacious, open area for visitors to pause, take photos, and gather before entering the basilica.
Q 3. When will the selfie zone be completed?
Ans: The new public square, including the selfie area, is expected to be completed by April 2026, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudí’s death.
Q 4. Is this selfie zone part of the original design by Gaudí?
Ans: While Gaudí envisioned a grand staircase and plaza as part of the basilica’s entrance, the current selfie zone is a modern interpretation aimed at solving current urban challenges. It reflects the spirit of Gaudí’s vision while addressing the practical needs of today’s tourism.
Q 5. Will the selfie zone solve the problem of overcrowding?
Ans: It’s expected to significantly help by providing a dedicated area for photos, thus reducing pedestrian blockages and making nearby streets safer and less congested. However, it’s part of a broader set of measures to manage tourism in the area.
Q 6. Are any buildings being demolished to make room for this?
Ans: No buildings will be demolished for the selfie zone itself. However, a separate proposal to build a grand staircase at the main entrance could involve demolishing three residential blocks, displacing around 1,000 people—a move that is highly controversial and still under debate.
Q 7. What other tourist behavior is being regulated?
Ans: The Transport Authority of Barcelona (TMB) has banned tourists from placing phones on escalator steps to record videos, as it caused safety risks. Signs and staff have been deployed to enforce the rule.
Q 8. How are locals responding to the selfie zone?
Ans: Many residents view the selfie zone positively as a practical way to reduce daily disturbances caused by tourists. However, there is ongoing tension related to broader issues of tourism’s impact on local life, especially around the grand staircase proposal.
Q 9. Is La Sagrada Familia finally being completed in 2026?
Ans: Yes, after more than 140 years of construction, La Sagrada Familia is scheduled to be completed by 2026, aligning with the centenary of Gaudí’s death. The selfie zone is part of the preparations for this milestone.
Q 10. Can tourists still visit the basilica during construction?
Ans: Absolutely. La Sagrada Familia remains open to visitors throughout the construction and improvements. Tourists are encouraged to be mindful of the construction zones and to follow updated visitor guidelines for safety and respect.
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