Barcelona to Build Selfie Plaza at Sagrada Familia to Tackle Tourist Congestion

Barcelona is taking decisive action to address the overcrowding and sidewalk blockages caused by throngs of tourists vying for selfies in front of the iconic Sagrada Familia. In a move aimed at restoring order and easing the burden on local residents, the city council has unveiled plans for a dedicated selfie zone adjacent to the renowned basilica.

This ambitious €2.7 million project is part of a wider €15.5 million visitor management initiative for the area. The new space will act as a 6,200-square-meter 'anteroom' on Plaça Gaudí along Carrer de la Marina. Here, visitors will be able to pause, relax, and take photos without spilling into streets or clogging sidewalks, all while enjoying unobstructed views of Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece.

Locals have long voiced frustration over the bottlenecks and daily disruptions caused by the more than 4.7 million annual visitors, with only about 20% actually entering the church. The city’s strategy will help funnel crowds away from traffic, entrances, and even metro station exits, where recent viral video trends have worsened congestion around the monument.

The construction of the new selfie plaza is set to begin after the busy summer season, with completion targeted for April 2026, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of architect Antoni Gaudí’s death. City officials emphasize that the goal is to balance the needs of tourists with those of local residents, reclaiming public space for the community and ensuring the Sagrada Familia remains accessible and enjoyable for all.