The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, is one of the most beautiful sacred places in the world. The basilica is the largest unfinished Catholic church, attracting both worshippers and tourists from all over. Due to the high number of tourists visiting the Sagrada Familia, the city of Barcelona is constructing a specific area for visitors to take photos. In an action plan developed by the Barcelona Tourism Management (BTM), officials have recognized that the current public spaces around the Sagrada Familia are not designed to handle the intense use they are experiencing. The area has reached a “saturation point,” and improvements need to be made in various aspects, including urban landscape, tourist attraction points, public space model, and disruptions or transformations due to urban development.
One of the main strategies in the action plan involves creating an area dedicated to picture-taking on Placa Gaudi facing the front of the church. By designating this space for tourists to take photos, congested sidewalks can be alleviated, and local businesses will no longer be blocked by visitors. The goal of this initiative is to enhance the overall visitor experience while also improving the flow of people in the surrounding area. The new design of the square is intended to create a physical link with Avinguda de Gaudi and encourage visitors to explore nearby attractions such as the Sant Pau Modernist complex.
The Sagrada Familia was designed by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi and construction began in 1882. In recent years, the basilica has become a major tourist attraction, drawing 4.7 million visitors in 2023 according to BTM. The annual volume of visitors to the basilica and its surrounding area is estimated to be between 18 and 22 million people. The increasing popularity of the Sagrada Familia has put a strain on the existing infrastructure and public spaces, leading to the need for interventions to manage the flow of tourists and improve the overall experience for visitors and locals alike.
The action plan put forth by the Barcelona Tourism Management outlines specific areas of intervention to address the challenges posed by the high volume of tourists visiting the Sagrada Familia. In addition to creating designated spaces for photo-taking and improving the urban landscape, the plan also addresses disruptions and transformations resulting from urban developments in the area. By implementing these interventions, officials hope to create a more organized and enjoyable experience for visitors while also preserving the local businesses and environment around the basilica.
In conclusion, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, is a unique and iconic landmark that attracts millions of visitors each year. The increasing popularity of the basilica has led to challenges related to managing the flow of tourists and maintaining the surrounding public spaces. Through the implementation of an action plan developed by the Barcelona Tourism Management, officials aim to improve the visitor experience, alleviate congestion, and create a more sustainable environment for both tourists and locals. By addressing key areas of intervention, such as urban landscape, tourist attraction points, and disruptions from urban development, Barcelona hopes to ensure the long-term success and preservation of this beautiful sacred place.
