Construction on Barcelona’s iconic La Sagrada Familia reached a significant milestone last Wednesday, marking the completion of its final tower, the Torre de Jesucristo. This event coincided with the 100th anniversary of architect Antoni Gaudi’s death and included a historic visit from Pope Leo XIV, the first papal visit to Spain in 15 years. The addition of this tower has made the basilica the tallest church in the world.

La Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1882, a project spanning 144 years and marked by several interruptions, including Gaudi’s death, loss of original plans, financial challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these setbacks, progress continues, with plans underway for a new Glory Facade that will require further construction and is expected to displace approximately 15,000 residents.

The basilica’s near-completion has reignited debate in Barcelona about the impact of tourism on the city. With an anticipated 30 million visitors this year, Barcelona faces mounting pressure from overtourism. The surge in visitors has increased demand for historical tours, with search interest skyrocketing on travel platforms. Local residents, however, express frustration with the growing influx, citing strains on housing and the cost of living.

Tourism accounts for around 13 percent of Barcelona’s gross domestic product, but its consequences on local communities are stark. Rental prices have surged by more than 60 percent over the past decade, partly driven by the expansion of short-term vacation rentals. Many residents find the rising costs of leisure and housing increasingly prohibitive.

Property entrepreneur Camilo Fernandez voiced concerns over the city’s development, emphasizing that the construction should not come at the expense of local families. “You cannot celebrate a monument to humanity by making local families feel invisible,” he said, calling for solutions that protect neighborhood integrity rather than simply preserving Barcelona’s tourist image.

On the day of the tower inauguration, the atmosphere was electric, with crowds gathering hours in advance, ranging from travelers from as far as Majorca to families visiting the city. While the event is a momentous occasion for the Catholic Church and architectural history, it also highlighted the ongoing tension between residents and visitors in Barcelona’s central areas, where access is increasingly restricted.

As La Sagrada Familia approaches its long-anticipated completion, questions remain about how the city will manage its global appeal alongside the needs of its inhabitants. The towering spire stands not only as a symbol of architectural achievement but also as a reminder of Barcelona’s complex relationship with tourism and the communities it impacts.